There is much to tell about the Graz based AUSTRIAN ART ENSEMBLE, about its history, its members, its intensions and its achievements.
About the prolific cooperation with young and promising composers, taking their first steps in their chosen career,
About many of the fascinating works, that arise due to the intensity of those involved,
About the thrilling projects, which constantly evolved during the past decades of the AAE’s history,
About it’s dedication to past composers and their works, honouring those who have fallen into obscurity unjustly,
About all of the interesting tours the ensemble have made across the globe.
The exceptional enthusiasm of its members, distinguish the Austrian Art Ensemble’s projects, which are characterized by their humour, sensuality, and intelligence, as well as virtuosity and ease.
The musicians, who are professors at the Graz University of Music as well as members of the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra, find themselves in variable combinations, under the artistic direction of Wim van Zutphen, who himself is a gifted and dedicated conductor and pianist. He founded the Austrian Art Ensemble in 1982.
Next to the central scope of New Music, the Austrian Art Ensemble also embarks into discovering traditional Western music, as seen by the appropriately named projects Harmoniemusik (arrangements for wind-ensembles during the last decades of the 18th century) and the Pasticcio musicale.
Up until the 200th anniversary of Joseph Haydn’s death in 2009, the Austrian Art Ensemble will produce both his oratorios “The Creation” and “The Seasons”, as well as Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio” in contemporary arrangements for wind ensemble.
In the field of 20th century music, the Ensemble’s projects enable you to delve into new sounds and rhythms, which – by competent presentation – convey previously unknown musical experiences succinctly and with fervour.
The musical Pasticcio covers Viennese light music from the 19th century Biedermeier-period up to World War II. It portraits the aspects of Austrian cultural life that the nation itself was amused by.