Founded in Vienna in 2001 by Marcus Ratka, Chameleon Changes has established itself as a distinctive voice of contemporary jazz, large-ensemble writing and improvised music.

The ensemble was originally formed by some of Austria's most distinguished jazz musicians, many of them closely associated with the legendary Vienna Art Orchestra. Among the founding members were Herwig Gradischnig, Thomas Gansch, Christian Radovan, Michael Hornek, Georg Breinschmid and Mario Gonzi, laying the foundation for a musical language that combines elaborated compositional concepts with the spontaneity of jazz.

True to its name, Chameleon Changes has continuously evolved over the years. While several long-standing members continue to shape the ensemble's unmistakable sound, outstanding musicians including Bertl Mayer, Daniel Nösig, Robert Bachner, Oliver Kent, Hans Strasser, Matthias Pichler and internationally acclaimed trumpet virtuoso Rex Richardson have contributed to its artistic identity.

At the heart of the repertoire are the compositions and arrangements of Marcus Ratka. His music features the band's outstanding soloists and explores the dynamic relationship between composition and improvisation in jazz. 

Chameleon Changes surveys the history of jazz and builds its identity on the marriage of Composition and Improvisation. These foundational constructs haven’t just shaped the group’s sound, but expanded its reach as a multi-cultural language. Led by writer-arranger Marcus Ratka, and a cast of Austria’s finest, Chameleon Changes feels the spirit, baring its buoyant charm proudly. (Jeffrey Levenson, music producer N.Y.)