Maarten Altena Ensemble

Maarten Altena Ensemble (MAE) is a Dutch contemporary music group founded in 1980 by bassist and composer Maarten Altena. Initially starting as a quartet, the ensemble expanded into an octet and became known for blending composed structures with free improvisation, moving away from traditional jazz towards complex, innovative works that explore new sonic territories. Altena’s leadership shaped the group’s distinctive sound, encouraging other composers to contribute and often incorporating interdisciplinary collaborations with poets and theater groups. Around 1997, Altena stepped back from performing to focus on composition and artistic direction until he left the ensemble in 2005.

Maarten Altena himself studied double bass at the Amsterdam Conservatorium and has a rich musical background playing in various jazz and classical ensembles throughout the 1960s and 70s. His work as a composer and improviser has been influential in Dutch ensemble culture, pioneering ways to merge improvisation with structured composition. The ensemble has released diverse and adventurous projects such as *Code* and *City Music*, continuing to evolve the legacy of combining intricate composition with the freedom of improvisation.