The virtuosic ensemble BLACK PENCIL was founded in 2010.  The ensemble’s debut concert took place in the same year at the prestigious Amsterdam Concertgebouw, followed by the world premieres of several new works at the large-scale festival Istanbul: European Capital of Culture 2010. 

The name ‘Black Pencil’ stems from the ensemble’s first project, inspired by a remarkable series of miniatures by the painter Mehmet Siyah Kalem (15th century, presumably of Turkish origin). In English, ‘siyah kalem’ literally translates as ‘black pencil’.         
 
Black Pencil focuses on new repertoire with all new works composed especially for the ensemble, as well as an adventurous range of their own arrangements, influenced by different folk cultures.
 
The instrumental core of the ensemble consists of blockflute, panflute, viola, accordion and percussion. The ensemble may also be expanded with live electronics and video, depending on the programme.

The mission of the ensemble is the presentation of exciting new music and sparkling improvisations, communicated through a unique instrumental setup.

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