Beijing New Music Ensemble

Introduction

The Beijing New Music Ensemble is the only independent musical ensemble dedicated to new music in China.
 
Since 2005 the ensemble has been “presenting chamber music in a revolutionary way” (Macao Daily). A young,
vibrant group of diverse backgrounds, the ensemble has performed across greater China and in South Korea, in
concert halls, bars, universities, and art spaces, and was featured on BBC Radio Three in the summer of 2008.

Often collaborating with musicians of traditional Chinese backgrounds, BNME has created a grassroots forum
for contemporary music in Beijing and, in three years, has presented over three dozen China premières to
growing audiences. The debut CD of the ensemble will be released in June 2009 by international classical label
NAXOS.
 
 

Structure

The  ensemble  uses  a  modular  organization  to  allow  for  both  small‐scale  chamber  music  and  larger  ensemble
with  conductor.  The  five  core  members  make  programming  choices  and  other  artistic  decisions  collectively,
while drawing on a larger group of the best from the cityʹs orchestras and conservatories.  
 
The ensemble regularly performs with the most innovated performers on Chinese instruments, including guqin
player Wu Na, famed countertenor Jiang Qihu, and guzheng player Chang Jing. In addition, the ensemble also
has collaborated with experimental musicians Zhang Shouwang, Bruce Gremo, and electronic music composer
Tseng  Yu‐chung.    In  a  2007  concert,  BNME  worked  with  Shao  Yan,  who  interpreted  the  music  through  real‐
time calligraphic art.  
 
 

Contact

Executive Director: Shu‐Chun LAI (Ms.)
Mobile: 00‐86‐1391‐095‐4049 (Beijing)
Email: beijingnewmusic@gmail.com