In 2002 Erste Bank developed a new sponsoring concept, and in the intervening years it has become difficult to imagine Austrian musical life without it. This innovative programme gives young and uncompromising composers a powerful and sustainable impetus on the international music scene. At the heart of the concept is the annual sponsorship of a composer. A work commissioned by Erste Bank is given its première by the world-class musicians of Klangforum Wien at the Wien Modern festival and is subsequently performed in a number of other concerts.In the following year the work is released on CD on the KAIROS label, a partner that guarantees these productions wide and long-term international distribution. In awarding its commissions for compositions, Erste Bank is concerned not with promoting a short-lived event but rather with achieving lasting success. We see this as our artistic and societal responsibility and commitment. It is a plea against the short-lived nature of modern life, an artistic statement against the half-life of forgetfulness. Thus we are presenting you with The Erste Bank Composition Award 2002-2007. It is accompanied by essays by internationally renowned artists who have been inspired by these compositions. We wish you an eventful experience and lasting enjoyment.