“Devoting a program to Minimalist and microtonal compositions could easily amount to an egghead agenda; leave it to the American Modern Ensemble to make it a party instead." - Steve Smith, The New York Times
American Modern Ensemble (AME) joyfully celebrates and showcases American music, performing the widest possible repertoire, particularly by living composers. Our goal is to grow our audience base as far as possible beyond the music community. AME includes on-stage chats with featured composers, presents premieres, and conducts three annual competitions for young, emerging and professional composers. Receptions after each concert enable audience members to mingle with both composers and performers in an intimate, relaxed setting.
Founded in New York City in 2005 by Robert Paterson and Victoria Paterson, AME has been a dynamic, creative force in the American new music scene. With a world-class ensemble made up of NYC's finest musicians, AME is "simply 'first-rate" (The New York Times). AME has performed and premiered over 135 works by over 120 living American composers in venues ranging from Lincoln Center to Galapagos Arts Space, and has "consistently demonstrated a flair for inventive programming" (Steve Smith, Time Out New York). AME programs both cutting edge and traditional works, presenting unique, engaging events that encourage dialogue between artists and audineces. AME is committed to that connection: over 90% of the composers whose works have been programmed by AME have attended our concerts. Sold out crowds at Merkin Hall, Dimenna Center, the Rubin Museum, The TimesCenter and many other venues are a winning testament to AME's tremendous fan base and ever expanding popularity.
AME is the ensemble-in-residence at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, and also tours and offers educational outreach programs. Recent collaborations include the Dance Theater of Harlem and Talujon percussion ensemble.
AME presents thematic programs using a robust combination of instrumentalists and vocalists: flute (doubling alto flute and piccolo), clarinet (doubling bass clarinet and E-flat clarinet), oboe (doubling English horn), bassoon (doubling contra bassoon), horn, trumpet (C trumpet, B-flat trumpet and piccolo trumpets in E-flat and D), trombone, percussion, piano (doubling synthesizer), two violins, viola, violoncello, bass, vocalists and conductor.
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Robert Paterson, Artistic Director
Victoria Paterson, Executive Director
Emily Rea, Operations Manager
Michelle Musgnug, Office and Database Manager
Adam Abeshouse, Recording Producer and Engineer
Daniel D'Ottavio, Photographer
D. Carlton Bright, Videographer
Chris Shade, Post Production Video Editor
Sarah Baird Knight at DOTDOTDOTMUSIC
Samuel Adler
Steven Burke
Deirdre Chadwick
Chen Yi
John Eaton
John Harbison
Aaron Jay Kernis
Stephen Paulus
Cia Toscanini
Christopher Rouse
Joan Tower
George Dennis O'Brien, President Emeritus, University of Rochester
Jeffrey Bauer, Managing Director, Citco Fund Services
Dr. Benjamin Metrick, Owner, Sound Dentistry
Wolfgang Tsoutsouris, Consultant, Development Specialists, Inc.
Robert Paterson, Artistic Director, AME; President, American Modern Recordings (AMR)
Victoria Paterson, Managing Director, AME; President, Lumiere Records, Inc.
American Modern Ensemble, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.