The Ensemble
These days, the term ‘‘crossover’’ applies to a wide range of musical projects, all of which differ greatly in content, style and quality. For some concertgoers, this means a refreshing change from the rigid world of classical concerts, and yet for others, it appears to be a tasteless, commercially motivated branch of the music industry.
The CrossNova Ensemble is carving its own path and sound through the musical jungle. The music it performs is inspired by various contemporary styles, while at the same time staying firmly rooted in classical European musical traditions.
The standard CrossNova formation (violin, clarinet, bassoon, piano) closely resembles the registers of the instruments in a classical piano quartet, but the specific combination it is quite unique, thus creating a very individual sound signature on each piece of music performed.
Violinist Sabine Nova and pianist Rainer Nova have performed as a classical chamber music duo for many years and they comprise the core of the CrossNova Ensemble. In 2006, their curiosity and enjoyment of unconventional chamber music combinations led them to create this ensemble, the exact instrumentation of which is project-based.
The activities of the ensemble span from traditional and contemporary classical concerts, to music education and children’s concerts, to cross-divisional projects such as musical-literary performances with actors and comedians like Otto Schenk, Ulrike Beimpold and Ludwig Müller. The musicians especially enjoy treating themselves (and the audience) to burlesque arrangements of absurd combinations of styles and instrumentation, some of which enable them to test their vocal abilities.
Collaborations with composers such as Johannes Berauer, Vladimir Pantchev, Mathias Rüegg, Thomas Daniel Schlee, Helmut Schmidinger and Gernot Wolfgang have given the ensemble many opportunities to show its versatility and to premiere many pieces of music written for its specific instrumentation.
Projects from previous years are well documented by CD recordings, as well as by radio and TV broadcasts. Concerts and tours have led to the Wiener Konzerthaus, RadioKulturhaus Vienna, Theater Akzent Vienna, Brucknerhaus Linz as well as to concerts in the Philharmonie Luxembourg, in Germany, Poland and Slovakia. Festival appearances include concerts at the Carinthischer Sommer, the Salzkammergut Festwochen, Allegro Vivo, the Festival St. Gallen and the Kindermusikfestival St. Gilgen.
The Musician
Sabine Nova - Violine
As a justice-loving chief of the direct democratic ensemble, she enjoys playing the first violin, and also the recorder, creates Doodles for rehearsal plans, organizes concert tours and cooks up sweet tones and risotto variations on a regular basis for her musician colleagues.
Hubert Kerschbaumer - Clarinet & Voice
Is not only director, bandleader and first choir-boy, but is the only one who also has a university degree in a non-musical subject. Because of that, he is responsible for everything practical and technical. With his positive and integrative style, he ensures the pleasant conculsion of every rehersal.
More info about Hubert Kerschbaumer
Leonard Eröd - Bassoon
Is allergic to animal hair, parallel fifths and musical mishmash, composes fugues and Heurigen songs, shakes with words, notes and historical instruments, imparts music and tries undeterred, with his humanistic education to raise the niveau of the ensemble.
Rainer Nova - Klavier
The voice, heart and brain of the ensemble works tirelessly and steadfast on concert programs, engagements, arrangements and the destruction of Leo’s sense of harmony.
Heidemaria Gruber - Voice & Flute
Raises her voice and the hearts of the listeners, conjures up flute-tones and captivates with her vocal versitality. Our guiding-star in singer-heaven hears everything with an open ear and, when necessary, offers her services as astrological consultant.
