Introducing Associate Makers

Stichting Ensemble Klang’s new program of Associate Makers represents the group’s most significant structural change since its founding. It is a reassessment of what ‘ensemble’ means as we move towards the middle of the 21st century, and a celebration of what ‘ensemble’ can be. In the period 2021-24 we will bring as many makers in to the organisation as there are performers, placing the process of creation at the pulsing heart of the Stichting.

Some 16 Associate Makers will become embedded in the organisation: composers, choreographers, DJs, lighting designers and directors will work at the forefront of the group’s activities, each across a two year period. In addition to creating new work, the Associate Makers will perform, curate events, work on education projects and help shape the broader identity and artistic output of the organisation.

These artists are all classic Ensemble Klang collaborators, creating their own unique (musical) worlds, worlds that often sit outside or in between established genres, worlds that are full of profound and new artistic statements. This new format establishes a more fluid working relationship, not just a commission for a single work, but an open-form request to create and think together. We believe it will throw up unexpected and un-thought of experiences for our musicians, listeners and observers alike.

We’re delighted to present the first seven Associate Makers. We asked them to talk us through their favourite work and influences:

Lighting artist, Pavla Beranová

Composer, instrument developer & performer, Jan-Bas Bollen

Audio/video artist, Barbara Ellison

Choreographer & dancer, Feadan McCall

Composer & performer, Genevieve Murphy

DJ & composer, Oceanic (Job Oberman)

Composer, Maya Verlaak