Ryoko Aoki holds a unique position as a female singer and performer in the field of Noh theatre, which is historically the reserve of male actors. She has also pioneered and inspired a new artistic form that combines utai (traditional Noh recitation) and contemporary music. Numerous works have been written for her by composers that include Peter Eötvös, Toshio Hosokawa, Stefano Gervasoni, José María Sánchez-Verdú and Oliver Schneller.

Noted for her luminous voice, musical sensitivity and versatility, Belgian soprano Ilse Eerens enjoys an international operatic and concert career, and has featured in repertoire that ranges from music by J.S. Bach to contemporary works. She has performed alongside distinguished conductors and ensembles throughout Europe.

Flautist Mario Caroli won the coveted Kranichsteiner Musikpreis at the age of 22, since when he has enjoyed a highly successful career as a soloist. Toshio Hosokawa, Salvatore Sciarrino, György Kurtág and Doina Rotaru are among the composers who have written works for him, including concertos. A unique figure among today's flautists, Caroli moves between classical works and the most taxing contemporary pieces with the same vivid virtuosity and vibrant personality.

Jun Märkl is a highly respected interpreter of core Germanic repertoire and is renowned for his refined and idiomatic explorations of the French Impressionists. He currently serves as music director of the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and is the chief conductor of the Residentie Orchestra of The Hague, Netherlands. He is also principal guest conductor of the Oregon Symphony.