Ensemble Modern is a chamber ensemble dedicated to the music of modern composers. Formed in 1980, the group is based in Germany and made up variously of about twenty members from numerous countries. They tour widely and have released many recordings, performing works by such composers as Charles Ives, Olivier Messian, Kurt Weill, Edgard Varese, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Conlon Nancarrow, Steve Reich, George Benjamin, Frank Zappa, Anthony Braxton, and many others. They are highly regarded for their ability to play difficult music with complex rhythms and tempi. 1980 is a leap year starting on Tuesday. ... The Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland) is one of the worlds leading industrialised countries, located in the heart of Europe. ... This photo from around 1913 shows Ives in his day job: he was the director of a successful insurance firm. ... Olivier Messiaen (December 10, 1908–April 27, 1992) was a French composer, organist, and ornithologist. ... Kurt Weill (March 2, 1900 – April 3, 1950), born in Dessau, Germany and died in New York, was a German composer active from the 1920s until his death. ... Edgar (or Edgard) Var se (December 22, 1883 – November 6, 1965) was a French-born composer, who moved to the United States in 1915, and took American citizenship in 1926. ... Karlheinz Stockhausen (born August 22, 1928) is a contemporary composer. ... Conlon Nancarrow (October 27, 1912 - August 10, 1997) was an American composer who took Mexican citizenship in 1955. ... Steve Reich (born October 3, 1936) is an American composer. ... George Benjamin (born January 31, 1960) is a British composer of classical music, and also a conductor, pianist and teacher. ... Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American rock/jazz fusion musician, composer, and satirist. ... Anthony Braxton (born June 4, 1945) is a composer, multi-reedist and pianist. ...