13 Ensemble is a 13-member musical collective led by Ester F. Mata as composer, performer, and conductor. The ensemble merges hypnotic minimalism, cinematic soundscapes, and a highly interactive, chord-less approach. While compositions provide a structured framework, musicians actively shape lines, exchange cues, and interact with electronic elements, creating a sound that is immersive, spontaneous, and collaborative.My name is Ester F. Mata, a trumpet player, bandleader, and composer leading 13 Ensemble, a 13-member collective exploring the space between composition, improvisation, and electronic sound.
The group brings together five horns, a string quartet, and a vibraphone–double bass–drums rhythm section. Through conduction, cues, and electronic samples (spoken word and daily life sounds), the musicians interact in real time, creating a dynamic and collaborative performance.
Supported by Amarte in 2025, we recently recorded our debut album, Traffic Is the New Silence, which is released on Honolulu Records.