Relâche is a new music ensemble whose unique sound includes flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, piano, percussion, viola, and bass. The players of Relâche are classically trained, but often explore sounds from outside of Western classical traditions, such as jazz, free improvisation, electronica, world music, and film music. To date, Relâche has performed more than 600 concerts, commissioned over 150 new works from composers including Robert Ashley, Gavin Bryars, John Cage, Uri Caine, Philip Glass, and Pauline Oliveros, and recorded four CDs. Established in 1979, Relâche is among the oldest continuously operating, non-profit organizations and chamber ensembles dedicated to contemporary music in the US.