The Nothingset Ensemble consists of a continually shifting cast of composers and performers assembled around a core ensemble to specifically meet the needs of each concert set. We focus on two types of pieces: recent masterworks that do not receive frequent live performance and newly composed works. We strive for both excellence in the quality of our performances and individuality in our choice of repertoire. Each living composer who contributes new music is strongly encouraged to participate directly in the performance; the goal is to keep the communication between composer/performer and audience as direct and immediate as possible. The Nothingset Ensemble concerts serve both as an impetus for the creation of new repertoire for small and unusual ensembles and as an agent for the performance of these works in an intimate and lively setting. No genre of music is excluded.For the 2008–2009 season the Nothingset Ensemble will be focusing on small ensemble pieces that feature one or all of the following instruments: saxophone, guitar, marimba, violin and clarinet. We will be performing Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat along side the world premiere of David Garner’s Azure Morph. Also on the program are works by Andriessen, Argento, Desjardins, Piazzolla and Bay Area composer Steve Adams.