KOMPASS

The "New" in new music - a broken sword

Founded in 2018, Kompass Ensemble approaches the curatorial problematics of new music of the 21st century not only from the tradition of commissioning, premiering and spreading the music of living composers, but more importantly from the questioning of the “new” as yet one more historical practice. Concepts such as authorship, originality and avant-garde will be the focus of attention in each project, seeking to find that what is new in music before we are even capable of recognizing it as new. 

In 2024, following a period of transformation, the Kompass Ensemble emerged revitalized, fortified with new management, several fresh members, and an expanded repertoire. Electronics become a staple part of the Ensembles instrumentation and Improvisation finds its place too - a more pronounced, prominent one - in our artistic practice. Yet, amidst these changes, our core mission and principles remain steadfast. We remain fervently committed to the pursuit of new directions, still excited to work with established composers and promote young, promising talents, ready to expand and move beyond our previous geographical, aesthetical or creative borders. 

In this continuous effort, we develop projects and open spaces for collaboration with other soloists and ensembles like, a. o. Nexus Quartett, False Relationships Ensemble or percussionist Nanae Kubo.


Our project has been made possible thanks to the cooperation and support of institutions such as Mehrklang Freiburg e.V., Depot.K Kunstverein, the Institute for New Music and the Office for Gender Equality of the HfM Freiburg, as well as Freiburgs Culture office.




"I can wait as an insect can wait. 

I am somebody who is waiting, all my life."


Igor Stravinsky




©2022 Kompass Ensemble