Zefiro Torna

The Flemish vocal-instrumental ensemble Zefiro Torna was founded in 1996. Joined by excellent vocalists and instrumentalists from Europe, Zefiro Torna brings to life the European cultural heritage from the middle ages, renaissance and baroque in a unique way. This manifests itself in their choice for authentic instruments and historic sing, play and improvisation techniques that are based on historical research (HIP).

Zefiro Torna does not limit itself to a merely historical approach but combines it with current art expressions. Starting out from disciplines such as literature, plastic arts, installation art, dance, ethnic and contemporary music, collaborations are set up with renowned artists to work around a variety of symbolic or allegorical themes. This results in fascinating pieces of ‘Gesamtkunst’ that receive a multilayered meaning.

Therefore, the ensemble entered into dialogue with individual artists, directors, choreographers, composers and performers as Ghalia Benali, Brody Neuenschwander, Sigrid T’Hooft, Ief Spincemaille, Tom Hannes, Jeroen d’Hoe, Dick van der Harst, Ingrid von Wantoch Rekowski, Daniel Tanson, Stevie Wishart, and with ensembles as Abattoir Fermé, Amorroma, Antwerps Kathedraalkoor, Figurentheater De Maan, Frank Vaganée Trio, Ialma, LOD, Pantalone, Psallentes, Ultima Thule, Vlaams Radiokoor/Hervé Niquet, Vocalconsort Berlin, ZOO/Thomas Hauert.

Through this approach, Zefiro Torna has gained international renown and by consequence, the ensemble is a welcomed guest in famous concert halls as Amuz, Bozar, Concertgebouw Brugge, De Bijloke, De Singel, Dr. Anton Philipszaal/Den Haag, Flagey, Handelsbeurs, Kaaitheater, Muziekgebouw aan 'tIJ Amsterdam, Philharmonie Haarlem, Radialsystem V/Berlin, Vredenburg Utrecht and on many music and art festivals as Banchetto Musicale/Vilnius, Biennale Alter Musik/Konzerthaus Berlin, Brossella, Charleroi Danses, Concentus Moraviae, Festival de Musica Antigua de Sevilla, Festival de Wallonie, Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht, Festival Seviqc-Brezice Slovenia, Festival van Vlaanderen, Frysk Festival, Gergiev Festival Rotterdam, Internationale Orgelwoche Nürnberg, Klarafestival, MA festival Brugge, Operadagen Rotterdam, Tanz in Olten (ZW), Zeeland Nazomer Festival, Zomer van Antwerpen.

Their creations are regularly awarded and several of them have been released on the labels Et’Cetera, Warner Classics and Homerecords.