Zafraan Ensemble: Jubiläumskonzert für Iris ter Schiphorst

Iris ter Schiphorst is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Her work combines political awareness with poetic power, sensual sonority, and formal radicalism—always underpinned by a direct connection to the audience.
Starting with a classical piano education, Iris ter Schiphorst strayed from the traditional path early on, playing electric bass in punk, new wave, and funk bands, and finding her way to contemporary music through her own lyrics as well as influences from Dieter Schnebel and Luigi Nono, among others. To mark Iris ter Schiphorst’s 70th birthday, the Zafraan Ensemble will present a concert series in 2026, in the planning of which the composer is closely involved—from program selection to publication. The series will present a representative cross-section of her instrumental music, bringing her multifaceted artistic vision to life.

Program:
Hi Bill! (2005) for bass clarinet
"Aus Liebe…" (2013) for string quartet
Eden Cinema (1995) for prepared piano and CD player ad libitum
Ballad for a Bulldozer (1989) for violin and synthesizer, sampler Miniatures (2008) for clarinet and string quartet

Zafraan Ensemble: Emmanuelle Bernard and Artiom Shishkov, violin | Josa Gerhard, viola | Martin Smith, cello | Miguel Pérez Iñesta, clarinet | Clemens Hund-Göschel, piano
In the presence of Iris ter Schiphorst