The Ensemble Modern is known worldwide for its concerts. Founded in 1980 and based in Frankfurt am Main, the group – which is organized on a grassroots, democratic basis – currently features 18 soloists. As a “curious voice for contemporary music,” the Ensemble Modern commissions new compositions every year, rehearsing them in close collaboration with the composers. As part of the Musikfest Berlin, the Ensemble Modern will give a concert on September 18, 2026, at the Philharmonie Berlin, featuring works by Clara Iannotta and a world premiere by Martón Illés (more information here ).

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To mark their Berlin guest performance, we will screen the documentary ENSEMBLE MODERN – WHY WE PLAY by Thorsten Schütte on two Sundays, featuring one of the world’s leading ensembles for contemporary music. The film offers an in-depth look at the work of Ensemble Modern and the world of contemporary music. Director Thorsten Schütte accompanies the musicians not only on stage, but also during rehearsals and wherever music is created.