Founded in 1993, the Collegium Novum set itself the goal of promoting and performing contemporary music in interpretations of the highest standard. Contemporary music production is set in context to music of bygone epochs. Important components of our artistic work are the direct contacts with the composers and the exchanges with partner organisations such as the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and the Experimental Studio of the SWR, the Southwest German broadcasting group (Experimentalstudio des SWR).

Thanks to its dynamic structure, the 26-member soloist ensemble can provide any combination of instruments, from solo to grand ensemble, with total flexibility. It allows a concert to be programmed considering only the desired musical content. The members themselves also make appearances as soloists. Alongside their function in the Collegium Novum, they play a leading role in Swiss cultural life.

The Collegium Novum Zürich, which is supported by the city of Zurich, has for many years maintained its own concert programme in Zürich. Co-operation between the CNZ and the Tonhalle Society on one hand and with the Schauspielhaus (municipal theatre company) on the other, have enabled projects for the ensemble to be realized regularly in the Tonhalle, in the Schiffbau and at other concert sites in the