Austrian Ensemble for New Music marks Half-Century of Premieres, Expansion Planned
SALZBURG, Austria – The Austrian ensemble for new Music (OENM) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, having premiered approximately 400 contemporary musical pieces since its founding in 1975. The ensemble, born from a perceived lack of focus on new music in Salzburg, is now poised for expansion beyond its conventional base, bringing cutting-edge compositions to audiences across Austria.Founded by composer and conductor Klaus Ager, then a future rector of the University of Mozarteum, and clarinetist Ferenc Tornai, the OENM arose from a desire to champion contemporary music. ager, reflecting on the musical landscape at the time, described the situation as ”desolate,” prompting him to gather a small group of musicians for their inaugural concert on June 14, 1975, at the ORF audience studio in Salzburg. The 50th-anniversary celebrations began with a studio concert mirroring the original event, with a larger festival concert scheduled for October.
The ensemble has consistently prioritized commissioning new works, notably from emerging composers, and currently comprises 20 musicians. Johannes Kalitzke has served as the first guest conductor for nearly three decades, since 1997. Looking ahead, Isabel Birgit Biederleitner assumed the artistic management role at the beginning of 2025, while Martin rummel, rector of the Anton Bruckner Private University Linz, chairs the association board.
The OENM’s commitment to premiering new works has established it as a vital force in Austria’s contemporary music scene, attracting a dedicated following. Organizers state the ensemble’s reach extends across the country to music fans receptive to this genre, and the OENM intends to build on this momentum by performing in additional federal states.
