Canadian-American violinist Maia Cabeza enjoys a multi-faceted performing career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader. She has been successful in several international competitions, and her major awards include 1st prize at the 2013 Leopold Mozart Violin Competition in Augsburg and 2nd prize (Bach-prize) of the 2018 Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig. As a soloist, she has performed with several notable orchestras including, among others, the Augsburg Philharmonic, St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Munich Radio Orchestra, Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Edmonton Symphony and Detroit Symphony.

Her solo and chamber music performances have brought her to some of the world’s most important halls, including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Teatro Colón and Berlin Philharmonie. In 2016, she released a positively acclaimed debut CD on Oehms Classics which features contrasting solo and chamber works by Mozart and Schnittke.

Maia Cabeza is extremely passionate and dedicated to chamber music, and in November 2024 joined the UK-based Doric Quartet as First Violin. She has performed at many prestigious festivals such as Marlboro Music Festival, Lockenhaus, Rheingau, Kronberg “Chamber Music Connects the World”, Ravinia, Saronic Music Festival, Krzyżowa Music, Southwell, Verbier Festival Academy, and Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music, taking part in the tour group of 2015. In these festivals and others, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with distinguished musicians such as Vilde Frang, Nobuko Imai, Steven Isserlis, Kim Kashkashian, Christian Tetzlaff, Dénes Várjon and various members of the Cleveland, Guarneri, and Juilliard String Quartets. In addition to her solo and chamber music activities, Maia performs regularly with top European orchestras.

Maia Cabeza is co-leader of Aurora Orchestra, and is also a member of Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Principal Second of Kammerakademie Potsdam. She has been invited to guest lead orchestras such as Czech Philharmonic, Haydn Philharmonie and Orchestra Leonore, among others. Maia is also interested in historically informed performance practice and performs regularly in chamber ensembles on baroque and classical violin.

Maia Cabeza was born in Japan in 1992 and is of Argentinean heritage. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at the Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, USA) studying with Ida Kavafian and Joseph Silverstein, and was a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Karajan Orchestra Academy between 2012-2014. She continued her studies and received her masters degree in Berlin at the Hanns Eisler Musikhochschule in the class of Antje Weithaas. Maia performs on a Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi violin (circa. 1750) on loan by the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank.

Elisa Siber is an Austrian-born cellist known for her expressive and versatile musicianship. She performs both as a soloist and chamber musician, engaging with a wide range of musical

styles—from Baroque to contemporary works. Siber is a member of the Balthasar Neumann Orchestra, an ensemble renowned for its historically informed performances.  She also collaborates with the string quartet NoGo, which explores Nordic folk traditions through innovative arrangements. 

In addition to her performance career, Siber is dedicated to music education. She teaches cello at the Regionale Musikschule Sissach in Switzerland, where she shares her passion for music with students of all ages. 

Siber has participated in interdisciplinary projects, such as the “Islands” concert series in collaboration with artist Zvi Szir, blending live music with visual art.  Her performances have been featured in various concerts, including a rendition of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor with the Orchestra of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.

Joel Bardolet, violin

Joel Bardolet, a distinguished violinist hailing from the picturesque town of Vigo, has carved out a significant niche in the world of classical music. Known for his innovative interpretations and exceptional technique, Joel Bardolet has become a prominent figure in Central European orchestras and chamber music ensembles. His performances are noted for their emotional depth and meticulous attention to detail, making him a sought-after concertmaster and soloist.

Joel Bardolet’s journey in music began at an early age, nurtured by a passion for the violin that would see him travel across Europe for his education and career. He holds a master’s degree from esteemed institutions in Catalonia, Germany, and Switzerland, where he studied under renowned mentors. This diverse educational background has given him a profound understanding of various musical traditions and styles, which he skillfully incorporates into his performances.

A hallmark of Joel Bardolet’s artistry is his ability to craft thoughtful and engaging musical programs. He collaborates closely with fellow musicians to explore rhythmic precision, phrasing, and the cohesion of sound. His interpretive style is characterised by its intentionality and porosity, allowing him to connect deeply with the music and his audience. Joel Bardolet’s performances are not just displays of technical prowess but are deeply immersive experiences that invite listeners into a shared musical journey.

Throughout his career, Joel Bardolet has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras and chamber ensembles. He has taken the stage as a soloist with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Basel Chamber Orchestra, among others. His interpretations of classical repertoire, particularly works by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, have been lauded for their clarity, emotion, and technical excellence.

In addition to his work with established repertoire, Joel Bardolet is an avid supporter of contemporary music. He regularly collaborates with modern composers and has premiered several new works, showcasing his versatility and commitment to expanding the violin’s repertoire. His performances of contemporary music are marked by the same rigor and passion that define his interpretations of classical pieces.

Beyond the concert stage, Joel Bardolet is deeply committed to musical education. He frequently conducts masterclasses and workshops, where he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for the violin with aspiring musicians. His teaching philosophy encourages students to engage deeply with their music, fostering a sense of personal expression and creativity. Joel Bardolet’s dedication to education ensures that his influence extends beyond his own performances, shaping the next generation of violinists.

One of the highlights of Joel Bardolet’s career is his involvement with the Klassisk Sommer Festival in Denmark. His performances at the festival are highly anticipated events, known for their emotional intensity and technical brilliance. Bardolet’s presence at the festival not only enriches the event but also brings his exceptional talent to a broader audience.

Joel Bardolet is also a founding member of the Fortuny Trio, alongside cellist Pau Codina and pianist Marc Heredia. The trio is celebrated for its dynamic and cohesive performances, blending individual artistry with a unified ensemble sound. Together, they have performed extensively across Europe, earning acclaim for their interpretations of both classical and contemporary works. The Fortuny Trio is dedicated to exploring a wide range of repertoire, from the great classical trios to new compositions, thus contributing to the evolution of chamber music.

In addition to his live performances, Joel Bardolet has an impressive discography that showcases his versatility as a violinist. His recordings include works by both classical and contemporary composers, reflecting his wide-ranging musical interests and his ability to bring fresh perspectives to familiar pieces.

Joel Bardolet’s contributions to the world of classical music are significant and far-reaching. His innovative approach to performance, combined with his dedication to education and his support for contemporary music, make him a unique and influential figure in the field. As he continues to perform and teach, Bardolet’s impact on the world of music is sure to grow, inspiring audiences and musicians alike with his extraordinary talent and passion for the violin.

Joel Bardolet’s commitment to both solo and ensemble performance, along with his advocacy for contemporary music and dedication to teaching, ensures that he remains at the forefront of the classical music scene. His work with the Fortuny Trio further exemplifies his collaborative spirit and his ability to bring out the best in his fellow musicians. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Joel Bardolet is poised to make even greater contributions to the rich tapestry of classical music, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and musicians around the world.

Praised by critics as “a musician whose finesse, intelligence and sensitivity blend harmoniously” (Diapason) and who creates moments of “pure beauty” (Bachtrack), Dominic Chamot is emerging as “one of the new musical stars of the international piano scene” (Fono Forum).

Born in Cologne in 1995, he is the winner of the Viotti, Ferrol and CIPCE competitions, as well as six other competitions. He has also won 26 other prizes and awards at competitions such as Maria-Canals, Hilton Head and many more.

His career began at a young age when, at the age of 12, he was admitted to the class of Prof. Sheila Arnold at the Pre-College-Cologne of the HfMT Cologne, which provided him with crucial musical impulses. Soon after, he received international awards in Berlin, Zwickau, Enschede, Weimar, Cologne, etc., as well as performances in prestigious venues such as the Berlin and Cologne Philharmonie, the Wiener Musikverein, Palau de la Musica Catalana Barcelona, and many others.

Chamot then deepened his studies with Claudio Martinez-Mehner in Basel. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Specialised Performance (Soloist) with top grades and honors, and at the end of his pedagogy studies with Zoltan Fejervari, he also won the award for the best recital of the year at the Basel Music Academy. Since 2024 he receives lessons from Rena Shereshevskaya as part of the “Elite”-programme at the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris.

Meanwhile, his reputation as a versatile musician developed, leading to performances worldwide. He played concerts in 17 countries on 4 continents, recently performed multiple times at the Berlin Philharmonie, won some of Switzerland’s most exclusive scholarships during his studies, and was invited by the WDR Symphony Orchestra as a soloist for a concert at the Cologne Philharmonie. After these successes, further invitations followed from orchestras throughout Germany, as well as the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, ORF Symphony Orchestra Vienna, Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia, and many more. He has collaborated with conductors such as Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Cornelius Meister, Joseph Bastian, and many others. In New York, he captivated the audience with his performance at the Steinway Hall as part of the “Classical Bridge Festival.”

In 2025, highlights include recitals at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, at the Tokyo International Forum and at the Piano Festival La Roque-d’Anthéron.

He is also in high demand as a chamber musician: he is repeatedly invited to festivals (Gstaad, Davos, Schwetzingen Mozart Festival, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival), regularly performs with musicians from Switzerland’s top orchestras (Tonhalle Zurich, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Basel Symphony Orchestra, among others), and released a duo CD with Sergio Pires, principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra. Other chamber music partners included Kian Soltani, Sirena Huang and many more.

Dominic Chamot has received scholarships from the Jürgen Ponto Stiftung, Deutschen Stiftung Musikleben, Migros-Kulturprozent, Lieven Piano Foundation, Jmanuel und Evamaria Schenk Stiftung, August-Pickhardt Stiftung, Stiftung für junge Musiktalente Meggen, and the Kiefer Hablitzel Stiftung.

Known for his deep interpretive insight and refined touch, Chamot is praised not only for his technical command but also for his ability to craft poetic, emotionally resonant performances. Whether performing solo, with orchestra, or in chamber settings, he brings clarity, imagination, and a strong sense of musical narrative to every piece he interprets.

In addition to his live performances, Chamot is actively involved in recording projects. A forthcoming solo album featuring works by Schumann, Ravel, and contemporary Swiss composers is currently in preparation, showcasing his range and interest in contrasting musical languages. His recordings have already been broadcast on major radio stations across Europe, including SWR, WDR, and Radio SRF 2 Kultur, further expanding his reach and recognition.

As he continues to evolve artistically, Chamot is committed to exploring new repertoire, championing lesser-known composers, and engaging with contemporary music. With an ever-growing international presence, he represents a new generation of pianists who blend tradition with curiosity, and brilliance with depth.

Dmitry Smirnov is widely regarded as one of the exceptional personalities of the young generation of violinists. The ARD prizewinner performs as a soloist with leading orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra or the Festival Strings Lucerne and in concert halls from Carnegie Hall in New York to Nikkei Hall in Tokyo.

As an ‘enfant terrible’, he inspires audiences with his bold artistic vision and outstanding virtuosity, including in historically informed interpretations of traditional repertoire. As a sought-after chamber musician, Dmitry Smirnov regularly performs with partners such as Sol Gabetta and Ilya Gringolts, and also acts as concertmaster and soloist for Giovanni Antonini’s ‘Haydn Project 2032’.

In the coming season, Dmitry Smirnov will make his debut with orchestras such as the Oslo Philharmonic and the Stuttgart Philharmonic and will act as concertmaster for Cappella Gabetta’s European tour. In March 2026, at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, he will present the world premiere of the violin concerto by the illustrious Russian composer Gavriil Popov, which was thought to have been lost and which he completed after months of archival and transcription work.

Recording projects with the lutenist and Harnoncourt student Luca Pianca with works by Paganini as well as the collaboration with Ilya Gringolts for Vivaldi’s double concertos will enrich his discography to date, which already contains solo works from J. S. Bach to Bartók as well as various romantic violin concertos (on gut strings).

Dmitry Smirnov has won prizes at numerous international competitions, including first prizes at the Moscow Oistrakh Competition (2006), the Tibor Varga Competition (2015) and the Concours d’Interprétation Musicale de Lausanne (2017), second prizes at the International Yehudi Menuhin Competition (2008) and the ARD Music Competition (2021), a controversial elimination in the semi-finals of the Queen Elisabeth Competition (2024) and three prizes at the Concours international Long-Thibaud-Crespin in 2018, including the Critics’ Prize for the best interpretation of contemporary music. He is the winner of numerous scholarships and his work is supported by generous donors such as the Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation.

Dmitry Smirnov regularly performs as a soloist and chamber musician at renowned festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, Lucerne Festival, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, LuganoMusica, Heidelberger Frühling, Rheingau Music Festival, Davos Festival, Grafenegg Festival, Stresa Festival, Solsberg Festival, Festival delle Muse Salentine and Inverno Musicale (Brazil).

As a soloist, he has worked with conductors such as Giovanni Antonini, Heinz Holliger, Philippe Herreweghe, Vladimir Spivakov, Gilbert Varga, Stanislav Kochanovsky, Philipp Chizhevsky, Delyana Lazarova and Aurel Dawidiuk and has performed with orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Il Giardino Armonico, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Novaya Rossiya State Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Virtuosi, Festival Strings Lucerne, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Kammerorchester Basel, Sinfonieorchester Basel, Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen, Argovia Philharmonic, Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto and the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie.

Dmitry Smirnov was born into a musical family in St. Petersburg, where he received his first violin lessons at the age of four and continued his education at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Subsequent studies took him to the Haute École de Musique Lausanne in the class of Pavel Vernikov followed by studies with Rainer Schmidt at the Basel Music Academy. In the context of baroque music, Dmitry also performs as a violist, cellist and harpsichordist. His main instrument is a violin by Philipp Bonhoeffer (2018).

Known for his intellectual curiosity and fearless approach to repertoire, Dmitry Smirnov is especially praised for the intensity and individuality of his interpretations. Whether performing the rich textures of Romantic concertos or the clean lines of Baroque sonatas on period instruments, he combines analytical depth with instinctive musical storytelling. He is committed to bringing lesser-known works to light, often researching forgotten scores and reintroducing them with fresh insight. Alongside his performance schedule, he also teaches masterclasses and has mentored young string players at festivals and academies across Europe. His dedication to education and historical performance practice makes him a vital voice in shaping the future of classical music.

Tim Crawford, violin

Tim Crawford is an accomplished British violinist, known for his expertise as both a soloist and chamber musician. Currently studying at the Basel Musik Akademie under Rainer Schmidt, Tim Crawford has built a distinguished career performing across the UK and Europe. His deep connection to music began early, born to two violinist parents, and he started his formal education at the Royal Academy of Music at the age of four. During his time there, he won numerous awards and accolades, cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent.

Tim Crawford continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London, where he completed his undergraduate degree under Alexander Janiczek. He was awarded a Concert Recital Diploma, the Ivan Sutton Chamber Prize, and the Lord Mayor’s Prize for the highest mark across the music department. His exceptional performance led to an invitation to return as a Chamber Fellow.

Tim Crawford’s chamber music career is marked by significant collaborations and achievements. He is a founding member of the Teyber Trio, alongside violist Timothy Ridout and cellist Tim Posner, a partnership that has flourished since they were 15. From 2017 to 2020, he played with the Barbican Quartet, during which they won first prize and the Classical Era Prize at the Joseph Joachim International Chamber Music Competition. Recently, he co-founded the Valo Quartet with Maria Włoszczowska, Lilli Maijala, and Amy Norrington, continuing his journey in chamber music with long-time playing partners.

His association with the Esbjerg Ensemble is another highlight of his career, where he regularly performs, adding to his extensive experience in ensemble playing. Tim Crawford has also been a frequent participant in the IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses, studying with Andras Keller and Steven Isserlis. In 2019, he was invited on the IMS Open Chamber Music Tour across the UK, showcasing his talents in prestigious venues including the Wigmore Hall in London.

Tim Crawford’s versatility extends to his leadership roles; he leads Collegium, a string group founded by Lawrence Power, and regularly performs with Arcangelo, a leading ensemble directed by Jonathan Cohen. His performances with these groups are noted for their historical and modern instrument excellence.

Throughout his career, Tim Crawford has been invited to many of Europe’s finest chamber music festivals. His performances have paired him with renowned artists such as Steven Isserlis, Lawrence Power, Alexi Kenney, Philippe Graffin, Amy Norrington, Alasdair Beatson, Bengt Forsberg, Timothy Ridout, and Paolo Giacometti. He is a regular at festivals like Musikdorf Ernen, IMS Prussia Cove, Lewes Chamber Festival, and Wye Valley Chamber Festival. This year, he looks forward to debuting at the West Wycombe Chamber Festival and Festival Resonances.

Tim Crawford’s discography includes recordings made with the Celan Quartet, a group he was part of from 2011 to 2014. The quartet, formed with the support of MusicWorks Chamber Courses and violist James Boyd, released a recording of Berg’s Quartet Op.3, receiving critical acclaim. Although the Celan Quartet is no longer active, Tim Crawford continues to collaborate with its members, maintaining the musical bonds they formed.

His commitment to music education and outreach is evident in his regular participation in masterclasses and workshops. Tim Crawford is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians, emphasizing the importance of both technical skill and expressive performance.

Tim Crawford plays on a 1770 Ferdinand Gagliano violin, an instrument that complements his rich, expressive sound. His ongoing studies, performances, and recordings continue to enrich the classical music world, making him one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. Whether on stage, in a classroom, or in a recording studio, Tim Crawford brings a deep passion and dedication to his craft, ensuring his lasting impact on the world of classical music.

Michel Camille, viola

Michel Camille, born in London to Finnish and British parents, began his musical journey at the age of 11 with a full scholarship to Wells Cathedral School, one of the UK’s leading specialist music schools. There, he gained early experience as both a soloist and chamber musician, performing across Europe, North America, and Asia. During this formative period, he had the opportunity to work with legendary artists such as Yehudi Menuhin, Yfrah Neamen, Norman del Mar, and Igor Ozim.

Since 1995, Michel Camille has been the violist of the Esbjerg Ensemble, Denmark’s premier chamber group, known for its dynamic interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire. He served as the ensemble’s Artistic Director from 1997 to 2001. In 1999, he founded the Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival, bringing together world-class composers and performers, and establishing it as a vibrant part of Denmark’s cultural landscape.

Camille studied with Professor David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, earning the prestigious “Premier Prix.” He was also awarded the “Concerto Prize” at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada. Early in his career, he held principal viola positions with ensembles such as the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

A passionate chamber musician, Michel Camille has toured extensively with the Esbjerg Ensemble and guest-performed with numerous international groups. His work as a curator and artistic director is known for pushing boundaries—blending classical repertoire with contemporary works, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative programming that resonates with today’s audiences.

Michel Camille’s performances have been widely broadcast on Danish and international radio, including DR P2, and he has recorded numerous chamber works for CD with the Esbjerg Ensemble and other collaborators. His discography spans music from Schubert and Brahms to living composers, reflecting his deep commitment to both tradition and innovation. These recordings are praised for their clarity, warmth, and communicative energy, and continue to reach audiences well beyond the concert hall.

Beyond the concert hall, Camille shares his musical projects and performances through his growing YouTube presence, connecting with a wider audience and offering insights into his artistic journey. His YouTube channel, Michel Camille – YouTube, has garnered over 9,000 subscribers and features a diverse collection of chamber music performances. Notably, his collaboration on Schubert’s “Trout Quintet” has attracted significant attention, reflecting his ability to engage audiences through digital platforms.

He is also dedicated to mentoring young musicians through masterclasses and educational outreach, inspiring the next generation of chamber artists.

Antti Salovaara, bassoon

Antti Salovaara is a prominent Finnish bassoonist whose journey with the bassoon began at the esteemed Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. He studied under the tutelage of Jaakko Luoma, a notable figure in the world of bassoon pedagogy. Seeking to expand his horizons, Salovaara continued his education at the Conservatoire de Paris with Laurent Lefèvre, and later at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover with Bence Bogányi. He graduated from Hannover in 2018, rounding out a robust and diverse educational background that has significantly shaped his musical career.

Salovaara’s professional career is marked by his membership in the Esbjerg Ensemble, where he has been a key player since 2017. The ensemble is known for its dynamic performances and innovative programming, allowing Salovaara to showcase his skills in various settings and genres.

In addition to his role in the Esbjerg Ensemble, Salovaara is a member of Tölöläb, an electroacoustic experimental woodwind group based in Helsinki. This group is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional woodwind performance, blending electronic elements with classical music to create unique auditory experiences. His work with Tölöläb highlights his versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories.

Salovaara is deeply committed to chamber music and regularly collaborates with composers to expand the bassoon’s solo and chamber repertoire. His contributions to chamber music are marked by a passion for improvisation and a keen interest in contemporary music. This has led him to work on several innovative projects, bringing new compositions and fresh interpretations to the stage.

As a soloist, Salovaara has performed with various orchestras, demonstrating his technical prowess and expressive capabilities. His solo performances are noted for their lyrical beauty and the depth of his musical interpretations, engaging audiences and critics alike.

Outside of his professional life, Antti Salovaara is an avid runner and sports enthusiast. He enjoys discussing sports and stays active through his athletic pursuits, which provide a balanced counterpoint to his musical endeavours.

Antti Salovaara’s career as a bassoonist is distinguished by his extensive education, professional achievements, and innovative contributions to both traditional and contemporary music. His work with the Esbjerg Ensemble and Tölöläb showcases his versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music. As he continues to perform and collaborate, Salovaara remains a significant figure in the world of bassoon music, dedicated to expanding the instrument’s repertoire and inspiring new generations of musicians.

German-British cellist Philip Skye Graham is a sought-after chamber musician and interpreter ofcontemporary music. His diverse career encompasses working with various ensembles and musical styles, solo projects, teaching activities, and collaborations with contemporary composers.
Early competition successes, numerous international scholarships, and studies with renowned professors such as Clemens Hagen (Mozarteum University Salzburg), Alexander Hülshoff (Folkwang University of the Arts), and Nicolas Altstaedt (Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin), alongside further musical guidance from eminent figures including Günter Pichler (Alban Berg Quartet), Lucas Fels (Arditti Quartet), Heinrich Schiff, and Steven Isserlis, quickly led to an intense concert schedule. In 2015, he joined the Berlin-based Notos Piano Quartet.

From 2015 to 2024, Graham performed with the Notos Quartet on some of the world’s most prestigious stages across Europe, Japan, China, Australia, and North America. The quartet’s achievements include three critically acclaimed albums released by Sony Classical, numerous live recordings, radio and television features, and six first prizes at international competitions. Their excellence was further recognized with the Würth Prize of Jeunesses Musicales Germany.

Since leaving the quartet in 2024 to explore new artistic directions, Graham has pursued many different projects that span a wide range, including performances at the Kammermusikfest Lockenhaus, recordings of solo works by H.W. Henze and B.A. Zimmermann, collaborations with artists such as Christian Tetzlaff and Heinz Holliger as well as guest appearances with the Esbjerg Ensemble and as principal cellist with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic.

A key element of Graham’s career is collaboration with contemporary composers. Over the years, many works have been written for him and the Notos Quartet, including by distinguished composers such as Beat Furrer, Birke Bertelsmeier, David P. Graham, Jesús Torres, Bernhard Gander, Bryce Dessner, Hakan Ulus, and Elena Mendoza.

Beyond his performance career, Philip Graham is deeply committed to supporting young artists. In 2019 he co-founded the now annual Notos Chamber Music Academy in collaboration with Jeunesses Musicales Germany. He has also conducted workshops with his father, British composer David P. Graham, on teaching modern compositional techniques and interpreting new works for children and young people. Since the winter semester of 2024/25, Graham has been an adjunct faculty member at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin.

Thanks to the generous support of the Merito String Instruments Trust, Philip Graham performs on a Giovanni Battista Grancino cello from 1700. As a Pirastro Artist, he exclusively uses strings crafted by the renowned string manufacturer Pirastro GmbH.

ARS NOVA Copenhagen is a Danish-based, international vocal ensemble of 12 members specializing in renaissance polyphonic choral music and new vocal music, which is performed with precision and verve, and with a sound that attracts attention all over the world.

The ensemble has long since established itself as one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles and has toured in more than 40 countries on five continents. With concerts in Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark and several annual tours worldwide, the group is today more in demand th

an ever. Upcoming tours include Scotland, Belgium Sweden, Germany and Spain.

Over the years, Ars Nova has had close collaborations with a large number of both international and Danish composers, including Pelle Gudmundsens-Holmgreen, Per Nørgård and Avo Pärt. Most recently, the ensemble premiered works by Bent Sørensen, Signe Lykke, Caroline Shaw and Galina Grigorjeva.

Ars Nova has recorded a number of award-winning albums; including a Grammy for The Little Match Girl Passion with music by David Lang (with Theatre of Voices at Harmonia Mundi). The ensemble’s latest releases are “…and…” (Naxos) featuring  works by Arvo Pärt, Julia Wolfe and Caroline Shaw as well as Italian medieval songs from Laudario di Cortona, which was nominated as release of the year at the P2 Prize 2022, and Crossing Borders (Dacapo) with music by Carl Nielsen, Niels W. Gade, Vagn Holmboe, Wilhelm Stenhammer and Line Tjørnhøj. Both releases have received top reviews in the press. In March 2025 the group released a recording of Caroline Shaw’s How to fold the wind(Cantaloupe) commissioned by Ars Nova in 2020.

Other releases include Creator Spiritus with music by Arvo Pärt and The Christmas Story (Harmonia Mundi), Gallos Y Huesos | Notker with music by the Argentinian composer Pablo Ortiz (Orchid Classics) and The Golden Age of Danish Partsongs (Dacapo) with music by prominent Danish vocal composers from the past 200 years. 

Ars Nova was founded in 1979 and until 1995 was led by the Danish conductor and composer Bo Holten, whose pioneering ideas about a repertoire encompassing both early and new music helped establishing the ensemble’s position both in Denmark and internationally.

Tamás Vetö, who succeeded Holten in 1995, conducted a.o.. a long series of highly praised concert performances and recordings of Danish contemporary music.

From the beginning of this century until 2023, the ensemble was led by Paul Hillier, who with his clear artistic vision  took Ars Nova Copenhagen to the high level characterizing the group’s work today. In 2023 Paul Hillier was appointed honorary conductor of Ars Nova Copenhagen.

In 2024 Swedish/French Sofi Jeannin took over as the ensemble’s new chief conductor. JIn addition to holding the positions as chief conductor of the BBC Singers and Maitrise de Radio France, Jeannin regularly appears as guest conductor of a large number of leading European choirs and vocal ensembles. Ars Nova has thus once again succeeded in attracting an international conductor from the top shelf.

Ars Nova is part of Tenso – The European network for professional chamber choirs.