The Decoder Ensemble, founded in Hamburg in 2011, considers itself a “band” for contemporary music and is one of the most innovative and unpredictable young ensembles on the new music scene. Their fresh and energetic sound, stemming from their distinct combination of electric and acoustic instruments and voice, sets them apart from conventional contemporary chamber music ensembles.

Surprising collaborations, experimental instrumental music, multimedia elements and conceptual performance art all play a large role in Decoder’s programming. Decoder greatly stresses the contemporary format in the presentation of their concerts, incorporating carefully selected performance venues and an over-arching dramaturgy.

One of the main focuses of the ensemble is the collaboration with young composers and providing them with a platform to realize their works at the highest level. All of the members of Decoder specialize in the performance contemporary music, with 3 members doubling as the resident composers. This constellation, coupled with the extensive exchange between composers and interpreters in the development of the works enhanced by the individuality and authenticity of all of the parties.

Within a short time the Decoder Ensemble has successfully established themselves in the international new music scene, already making appearances at festivals such as Klang! (Copenhagen), What’s Next (Brussels) and the International Summer Course for New Music (Darmstadt).

In 2012 Decoder received a Hermann and Milena Ebel Prize grant (Maritim Foundation). Various projects of Decoder have been supported by the Hamburg Ministry of Culture, the Goethe-Institute, the Ilse and Dr. Horst Rusch Foundation, the Feldtmann Cultural Foundation, IMPULS New Music and the German Music Council’s Concert Trust, among others.

In 2014 Decoder’s self-titled debut CD on Ahornfelder Records was produced in cooperation with German Radio Cologne.