Ensemble Intercontemporain Concerts

Experience Ensemble Intercontemporain

Founded in 1976 by Pierre Boulez, the Ensemble Intercontemporain (EIC) is a leading new music ensemble based in Paris, France. Originally conceived as an instrument for the performance and promotion of contemporary classical music, the EIC quickly became synonymous with 20th and 21st-century compositional innovation. Boulez served as its director for nearly three decades, shaping its distinctive sound and commissioning hundreds of works.

The ensemble’s repertoire extends beyond purely serialist or atonal compositions, encompassing spectral music, electroacoustic pieces, and works incorporating improvisation and multimedia elements. They frequently collaborate with composers like György Ligeti, Steve Reich, and Kaija Saariaho, often giving world premieres of their creations.

The EIC is renowned for its virtuosic musicianship and adaptability; members are proficient across multiple instruments allowing flexible instrumentation dictated by each score. They perform globally in prestigious concert halls and festivals, maintaining a significant recording catalogue on labels like Deutsche Grammophon and ECM New Series. Successors to Boulez as musical directors include Jonathan Harvey and currently Matthias Pintscher, ensuring continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary musical expression.