les trombones de bâle was founded in 2014 with the aim of exploring and encouraging new music for trombone ensembles. With a repertoire spanning solo pieces all the way to works for eight trombones, a concert by the group is always a unique experience. From theatrical works by composers such as Vinko Globokar or Robert Erickson to richly harmonic pieces by David Rosenboom or William Dougherty, the group shows how versatile, virtuosic and often surprising new music for trombone ensemble can be. les trombones de bâle also work with composers to create new pieces for trombone ensemble, and have already given world premieres of a number of works. The group has performed extensively in Switzerland and Germany at festivals such as the Darmstadt Summer Courses for New Music, the Rümlingen Festival and Swiss Trombone Days.
les trombones de bâle is made up of some of Europe’s finest professional trombonists, all of whom have a passion for performing contemporary music. Its members work with countless composers and have performed with renowned groups such as Ensemble Modern. London Sinfonietta, Klangforum Wien, musikFabrik, and the Remix Ensemble as well as performing extensively with their own chamber groups and as soloists. The ensemble was founded and is led by Mike Svoboda, an internationally respected performer who has worked with some of the world’s leading composers, including Karlheinz Stockhausen, Helmut Lachenmann, Beat Furrer, Martin Smolka and many more, premiering over 400 works for trombone at major festivals around the world.
Core Group: Mike Svoboda (Leader), Kevin Austin, Stephen Menotti, Jon Roskilly