Ear to the Earth Ensemble

Ear to the Earth, an ensemble from The Hague, uses interactive performances and music-making, outdoor concerts, and workshops to promote climate awareness through contemporary classical music and community building.

The ensemble is formed of percussionist Porter Ellerman; Ruth Mareen, violin; Antonio Dorado Salguero, cello; Rui Braga Simões,  piano; Petra Valtellina, flute; and Miguel Esperanza Pérez, clarinet.

Ear to the Earth fosters a collaborative environment where musicians explore the intersection of sound, nature, and community. By integrating the innovative philosophies of influential composers like Pauline Oliveros, John Cage, and Matthew Burtner, our ensemble transcends traditional performance paradigms. We actively invite participation, encouraging audiences to engage with music as co-creators rather than passive observers.

Through guided improvisations, theatrical elements,  graphic scores, and body/musical exercises, we cultivate opportunities for active listening, allowing participants to explore sound in a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. This approach not only enhances musical experiences but also promotes mindfulness and attentiveness to our environment.

Our commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can partake in the exploration of contemporary music. By dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity, Ear to the Earth not only transforms the way music is created and experienced but also nurtures a more profound connection among audience members, nature, and the soundscape we inhabit. In this way, we inspire individuals to listen more closely—both to the world around them and to one another. 

Listening to our environment is the key element in everything we do: a starting point for positive change in the short and long term. 

Supported by the ULYSSES Platform, Ear to the Earth performed at Gaudeamus 2025.