Mad Song are a dynamic ensemble of "expert young players" (The Observer) who specialise in performances of 20th and 21st century music. Originally founded by conductor Joshua Ballance for a performance of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King, from which they took their name, the group then established itself as an ensemble in 2022. Since then they have performed around the UK and abroad, with their playing described as ‘beyond praise’ (Seen & Heard International). They recently recorded their début album, supported by the Marchus Trust, which will be released in 2026.

A deep musical curiosity means that their repertoire is stylistically agnostic, encompassing everything from Viennese modernism to American minimalism and European spectralism. They have frequently workshopped and premiered works by emerging composers including Rob Hao, Anna Semple, and Thomas Metcalf, as well as collaborating with primary and secondary schools. Alongside these new works, another crucial artistic concern is bringing to life works that have only rarely been played that the ensemble feel deserve more interest; in this vein, they have given UK premieres of works by Chris Mayo and Jean-Louis Agobet.

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In performance, they have collaborated with singers including Benedict Nelson, Jonathan Eyers, Rebekah Jones, and Anita Monserrat, and they have been tutored by specialists including Tim Gill, Richard Hosford, David Campbell, and Robert Max. In 2024 they were chosen to attend the International Ensemble Modern Academy in Frankfurt, Germany, where they played music by Grisey, Murail, and Schoenberg.