The franz ensemble is a chamber music ensemble of young, internationally renowned soloists and chamber musicians, combining strings, winds and a pianist. The instrumentation allows for an enormous spectrum, ranging from the finest chamber music colours to orchestral sounds.
The musicians came together for the first time in 2017. The enthusiasm for joint concerts with the Octet by Franz Schubert, the ensemble’s namesake, led to the desire to perform together regularly and form a permanent ensemble.
The members of the franz ensemble are top-class soloists, professors, and orchestra members. They are united by many years of profound artistic experience, which stands as a guarantee for the high quality and tonal brilliance of the ensemble. Concerts have taken them to the Kissinger Sommer and the Musikfest Bremen, among others.
VIDEO
PRESS
“Elegant, new swing”, “Technically perfect and nuanced”
Deutschlandfunk 03/20
“Exciting ensemble playing and a beguilingly beautiful tonal culture.”
FONO FORUM 12/19
SELECTION OF PROJECTS 2024/25
Dates available upon request
The poor fiddler
Janna Mohr, puppeteer
Figure theatre and chamber music as one: actress Janna Mohr and composer Helena Winkelman recreate Grillparzer’s novella Der arme Spielmann with the franz ensemble and tell the bizarre life story of a tragic clown who goes to ruin because of his idealism, which is as noble as it is impractical. Sounds, music stands, instrument parts and shadows take on a life of their own and grow together to form the backdrop of a turbulent folk festival. The premiere took place in Bremen in March 2023. The programme is also available as a concert performance.
L. v. Beethoven: Septett op. 20
H. Winkelmann: “The poor fiddler” (commission work in cooperation with puppeteer Janna Mohr)
Dates available upon request
jörg & franz
J. Widmann: Octet (2004)
F. Schubert: Octet in F major D.803
