The Hermesensemble was established in 1999 by a collective of musicians, composers, and academics. By promoting contemporary music it hopes to fill an artistic void in the Flemish musical landscape. With a musical repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries the ensemble aspires to capture the attention of a mainstream audience. The starting point of contemporary music undergoes constant confrontations throughout the program: established vs. unknown talent, new and old music, and western and non-western music. More than this, the Hermesensemble examines how the latest technologies can play a role in supporting this mission. By integrating other art forms (film, video, musical theatre) they strive to create a total experience that the general public can enjoy.