ULYSSES Journeys offer young composers and performers the opportunity to take part in courses,  workshops and residencies, but also to have concrete working experiences, through commissions and concerts.

In 2023, composers Maria Vicenza Cabizza (IT)  and Adrian Mocanu (UA) participate in three-part journey designed by IEMA, Gaudeamus  (NL) and impuls Academy (AT).

The first of the project takes place in Frankfurt in April at IEMA, and is about “try-out” and “input” under the guidance of the experienced members of Ensemble Modern. Following the first period in April, the second step includes further rehearsals of the newly written pieces and finally three public concerts, including:

#1 World premieres of pieces written for the IEMA Ensemble at impuls Academy and impuls Festival in Graz (DE) on 27. July 2023, and participation in the academy’s activities.

#2 A performance in Sept. 8 or 9 at Gaudeamus in Utrecht (AT) and participation in other  activities offered by the Gaudeamus Festival.

#3 A third performance in Frankfurt/Main (DE) at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt (HfMDK) in the second half of September.

In addition to new works by Cabizza and Mocanu, the programme will include an ULYSSES Co-commission for composer Alex Paxton (UK) by IEMA, Gaudeamus and impuls, as well as a new piece by this year’s IEMA in-house composer Zara Ali.

The IEMA-Ensemble 2023 is composed of:

Phoebe Bognar flute
Jeanne Degos oboe
Drew Gilchrist clarinet
Tobias Krieger trumpet
Michael Martinez trombone
Jaroslav Novosyolov piano
Ying Chen Chuang percussion
Miria Sailer violin
Miho Kawai viola
Clara Franz cello
Riverton Alves double bass
Xizi Wang conductor

Note: The IEMA-Ensemble performed at Gaudeamus in 2022 already and is featured this year in various activities at the impuls Academy, including a second concert with the full ensemble on August 1st and concerts and workshops with smaller formations throughout the duration of the Academy (23.7-3.8). See the website of impuls for additional information.

Photo @alexpaxtonmusic.com