Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen is a Danish chamber ensemble founded in 1990 by two composers and a conductor who wanted a dedicated platform for new music. Its 16 specialist musicians make it Denmark's only ensemble committed exclusively to performing and developing contemporary composed music at a professional level. Since its founding it has premiered over 700 works - many as world premieres - working with composers and performers including Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Per Nørgård and Hans Abrahamsen. Jesper Lützhøft has served as artistic director since 2014, and the ensemble tours regularly across Europe and the United States.
Athelas performs at ECCO Concert 2026 in Koncertkirken with six European world premieres selected from 146 submissions, under the direction of conductor Susanne Blumenthal.
Athelas enters into collaboration with the Royal Danish Academy of Music on a concert in October 2026 focusing on Carl Nielsen and a world premiere by a young Danish composer.
Composer Niels Rosing-Schow takes office as new board chairman of Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt awards Athelas a special grant of 600,000 kr. from the distribution funds, ensuring the ensemble's continued operation in 2025.
Athelas cancels three concerts in autumn 2024 due to insufficient funding from the State Arts Foundation and requests an appearance before Parliament's Culture Committee.
