patron: Martyn Brabbins

About Kreisler Ensemble

Kreisler Ensemble was formed in 2003 by seven musicians with one common purpose: to create a new platform for contemporary music and challenge existing perceptions about the way new music is currently performed.

We explore the boundaries between different art-forms to create new experiences in sound, and perform in both traditional and non-traditional venues. We have performed in cathedrals, old cabaret halls, warehouses, concert halls and in a spiegeltent.

Commissions form an integral part of the ensemble's work. The group seeks to commission works by talented young composers, and to make new works integral to our musical consciousness.

Since its conception, Kreisler Ensemble have performed widely across the UK, from the St Magnus Festival in Orkney to the Purcell Room, London (FRESH series), Bush Hall, the Jaqueline-du-Pres Music building and the Warehouse. They have recently recorded their first commission, "The Glory Tree" by Cheryl Frances-Hoad for Toccata Records.

Mission:

To bring together composers, performers and audiences by creating dynamic, innovative and exciting programmes and events.

Reviews

"the talent across this young group demands their swift return. And after Iain Farrington's arrangements of Brecht and Weill songs took Raybould all over the audience, they were reluctant to allow them to leave at all."

"this was a concert of the essence of St Magnus clearly safe in new young hands."

The Glory Tree, commissioned by Kreisler Ensemble:
"The centrepiece was an astonishing tour de force written for her by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and sung entirely in Old English. The Glory Tree had remarkable scoring, stratospheric singing and was performed with shamanic authority, her final scream reverberating through the cloisters."

The Herald (June 2007)

"Oliver Weeks' "Drumhead Mass" was most impressive- and extremely effectively performed"

"Matilda Hofman's conducting was excellent throughout"

(from "Classical Source", June 9th 2005)