Germany's Ensemble Recherche Appoints New Artistic Manager

Composer Nik Bohnenberger will step into the role

The German contemporary-music group Ensemble Recherche recently announced that Luxembourg composer Nik Bohnenberger will serve as its new Artistic Manager. Bohnenberger will succeed Paul Clift in January 2025.

He will be responsible for the artistic direction of the ensemble, including programming and the development of the group's artistic concepts, formats, and perspectives. Bohnenberger will work alongside Managing Director Boglárka Pecze to develop the ensemble's international networks and secure concert opportunities.

Originally a horn player, Bohnenberger studied composition with Elena Mendoza at the UdK Berlin, where then undertook his master's degree with Daniel Ott. He has also studied with Carola Bauckholt, Matthew Shlomowitz, Franck Bedrossian, and Clara Iannotta.

Bohnenberger has had works premiered by the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt-Oder, United Instruments of Lucilin, and The Present Vokalensemble, among others.

Founded in 1985, Ensemble Recherche has been a central voice in new music throughout its history — the group has given more than 600 world-premiere performances, and has released more than 50 CDs. The ensemble comprises nine players, all of whom are distinguished soloists in their own right.

"In 2019, Recherche embarked on a new path that I would like to continue to pursue and sharpen: using the expertise that the ensemble has built up over the years to enter into an open dialogue with the contemporary music scene and socio-cultural developments, and in doing so, setting one or two trend-setting accents," Bohnenberger said.