N. Does it stand for “New”, for “Now”, for…? It may do, although other layers of meaning remain essential to this point-symmetric shape. N as a pure form – abstract, just as contemporary music sometimes is. Or – comparable to Merleau-Ponty’s image of consciousness as a fold in the world’s fabric – as a fold in time’s fabric , which only exists in the present: it is indeed a “Now”, discovering and creating “New” things, before the fabric smooths out again. The ensemble N has, in consonance with the name, made it their task to perform present-day music and to make it accessible to the broadest possible audience, particularly to young people. The ensemble, founded in 2018, consists of six young musicians who all met at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Besides the already existing contemporary repertoire, they are also committed to bringing new works written by young, emerging composers to the stage. The members of the ensemble share an enthusiasm for discovering, studying and performing so far unheard music, and for this reason they regularly take part in premières. They devote themselves to different styles, remaining open to novel experiences and experiments, and aim for a diverse repertoire performed to the very highest level.