The musikFabrik dedicates itself to creating exemplary interpretations of contemporary music. Its innovative programming and autonomous organisational structure are characteristic of this ensemble of international soloists. The musikFabrik has a broad, extensive repertoire that includes – alongside the more established literature – works tailored specifically for it, many of which the ensemble has commissioned itself. These works are presented at festivals and concerts. The ensemble's activities are documented by regular recordings for radio and CD.
One important focal point of the group involves modern forms of communication and the search for new and experimental possibilities of expression in the field of music performance. Interdisciplinary projects in combination with other art forms – such as live electronics, dance theatre, music theatre, and installations – adds further depth to the ensemble's profile.
The ensemble works closely together with conductors and composers such as Mauricio Kagel, Peter Eötvös, Vinko Globokar, Nicolaus A. Huber, Helmut Lachenmann, Louis Andriessen, Rebecca Saunders, Emmanuel Nunes, Richard Ayres, Joël Durand, Christoph Staude, Hans Zender, Stefan Asbury, Franck Ollu, Dominique My, James Wood, Peter Rundel, Kasper de Roo, Zsolt Nagy or Diego Masson.
Since its inception in 1990, musikFabrik has been subsidised by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
In 2006 the ensemble for the German Premiere of the Video Opera An Index of Metals by Fausto Romitelli at the Forum Neues Musiktheater on the occasion of the ISCM World New Music Festival 2006.