Ars Nova

Ars Nova, one of the leading vocal groups in Scandinavia, specialises in classic as well as contemporary music. Paul Hillier from England, who is also a singer and author, has been the choirmaster since 2002.

The combination of tradition and innovation has always been at the core of i Ars Nova's music and also constitutes the natural link between the choir and Hillier.

Recent collaborations include Monteverdi's 'Maria Vesper' with Concerto Copenhagen, two concerts with Athelas Sinfonietta to mark Arvo Pärt's 70th birthday, three concerts focusing on American minimalism from John Cage to Steve Reich, and a long-standing CD project featuring Tudor composers from England.

Ars Nova has performed contemporary pieces from most of the world, including premieres of more than 150 works. The repertoire features a natural bias towards Nordic composers, and Hans Abrahamsen, Jan Garbarek, Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen, Palle Mikkelborg, Per Nørgård, Ib Nørholm, Poul Ruders, Sven-David Sandström and Bent Sørensen have all composed for the group.

Ars Nova has recorded a number of CDs featuring works from Josquin to Cage. The group launched its own label in August 2006. The first release featured music by the English Renaissance composer John Tavener and his contemporaries. Later in the year the label will release Terry Riley's minimalist classic 'In C'.