Ensemble Nikel

Nikel (Bern, Switzerland) is a quartet of saxophone, electric guitar, percussion, and piano. Awarded a Swiss Music Prize in 2023, the group blends acoustic and electric instruments into a unique sonic entity, driven by a passion for new music beyond stylistic boundaries. Founded in 2006, Nikel is a regular guest at major contemporary music festivals such as Donaueschinger Musiktage, Darmstadt, Wien Modern, Manifeste, Warsaw Autumn, Huddersfield, Gaudeamus, and Impuls. They have also expanded internationally with performances across the Americas, New Zealand, and Europe. Their repertoire consists entirely of works written specifically for the ensemble by both established and emerging composers. In 2017, they released A DECADE, a 4-CD and DVD box set celebrating 10 years of performances and commissions.