Hydra Ensemble is an electroacoustic quartet based in Rotterdam. It features Nina Hitz (cello), Lucija Gregov (cello), Gonçalo Almeida (double bass) and Rutger Zuydervelt aka Machinefabriek (electronics).

The ensemble is a juncture of four distinctive expressions finding common ground. Together they form a four-headed entity that emerges from highly pensive collective improvisations, creating an intricate patchwork of concurrent melodic lines, textural explorations and expansive drones.

The quartet’s sonic language exists on the cracks of free improvisation, minimalism and experimental foreboding ambience. Hydra Ensemble's sonic language is as ominous and majestic as the multi-headed Greek mythical animal they're named after.

Giovanni Di Domenico obtains his degree in 'jazz piano' and develops an encyclopaedic technique: rhythm, harmony and tone are influenced by non-Western traditions but are equally indebted to Debussy's Préludes, Luciano Berio's Sequenzas, to the 'ambi-ideation' (each hand played independently the piano), heard on Borah Bergman's Soul Note recordings, Cecil Taylor's polysemantic density, Paul Bley's bruised transparency and, of course, the most radical expressions from the underworld of pop music, all invariably brought together in his own practice. It is an approach he shares with many musicians he has recently encountered, artists as diverse as Chris Corsano, Jim O'Rourke, Akira Sakata, Tetuzi Akiyama, Keiji Haino, Eiko Ishibashi, Joe Talia, … Di Domenico has founded his own label, Silent Water, for eclectic and unclassifiable productions.