Championing the ensemble music of 20th century modernism, The Facade Ensemble was founded by its conductor and artistic director - Benedict Collins Rice - at Cambridge University. Initially including National Youth Orchestra principals and BBC Young Musician Finalists, the ensemble has developed into a dynamic collective of young professionals containing BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists, Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine award-winners. Its members also perform with many of this country's leading ensembles - from The Sixteen, Voces 8, and Tenebrae, to the LSO, RPO, and WNO.
The ensemble has a core of 8 or so musicians but one of its strengths is a versatility which enables it to perform music outside the scope of most chamber ensembles.
Now as Ensemble-in-Residence at The Courtauld Institute and enjoying a reputation for 'razor sharp' (The Arts Desk), 'first-rate' (MusicOMH), and 'stunning' (Robert Hugill) performances, the ensemble carefully curates programmes which are both imaginative and accessible. Proving time and time again that music - often sadly dismissed as 'difficult' - can be a richly rewarding experience.
Recent highlights have included sell-out performances of Stockhausen; UK tours of Schoenberg (with Odradek Records) and Arvo Part; and a programme exploring ritual through pairing the Cantatas of Stravinsky and Birtwistle with medieval carols and Medieval inspired music by Bryars and Maxwell Davies.
Members
Meet some of our regulars -
We are extremely grateful to all of our supporters:
Patrons
Kieran
Anthony
David
Ali
Felicia
Supporters
Siân
Henry
Friends
Marian
Alex
Rebecca
Hilary
Catherine
Janet
Joanna
Mary
Staff
Meet the team behind The Facade Ensemble:
Jessica Kinney - General Manager
Jessica has enjoyed a diverse career in the arts industry ever since graduating from the music department of Royal Holloway. Joining the team as manager of artist liaison and venue communications, she currently combines her role at The Facade Ensemble with the post of assistant manager for The Tallis Scholars and music administrator at Ely Cathedral, with former clients including I Fagiolini, Rachel Podger and Arcangelo. Jessica is a keen singer alongside her work in arts management, and has previously held the roles of VOCES8 Scholar and Lay Clerk for the Choir of Clare College.
William Searle - Development Manager
William has a long association with The Facade Ensemble, having worked with Benedict to produce Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw in 2015 and singing in many Facade projects since then. His previous experience working with the RCM Development Department, Sinfonia Cymru and at Whitgift School, as well as organising events for artists from Stephen Fry to The King’s Singers, means he hopes to be able to set up The Facade Ensemble as an established fixture in the UK’s classical music scene.
Clement Collins Rice - Webmaster
Clement is a research chemist and tenor based in Oxford, currently holding a scholarship with the Oxford Bach Soloists. He brings an enthusiasm for technology and design into maintaining the Facade Ensemble's presence on the web.