The Erda Ensemble

marta fontanals-simmons (Mezzo-soprano)

chloE vincent (flute)

olivia jageurs (harp)

The Erda Ensemble was created in response to a performance of Mahler’s Das Lied Von Der Erde at the Roman River Festival. Like many great ideas, the possibility of forming an ensemble was first discussed in a quaint country pub after the concert. Inspired by the unique use of mezzo soprano, flute and harp in Mahler’s Der Abschied, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Chloë Vincent and Olivia Jageurs subsequently discovered a shared passion for story-telling and rediscovering neglected works for this unusual combinations of instruments. The Erda Ensemble was born!

The Ensemble were invited to perform their first concert at the Roman River Festival the following year, an evening championing music by female composers. The programme included works for trio by Rosy Wertheim, Cecile Chaminade, Grace Williams and Ina Boyle. The Erda Ensemble is now working on several new concert programmes using these composers as a starting point, exploring further repertoire including Déchirante, Debussy, Flothius, Hue, Dodgson, George Crumb and Anna Meredith as well as commissioning new works for the ensemble.