American Modern Ensemble

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American Modern Ensemble
Origin New York, New York, United States
Genres Contemporary classical
Occupation Chamber ensemble
Years active2005 -present
Labels American Modern Recordings, Bridge Records
Website http://www.americanmodernensemble.org

The American Modern Ensemble is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in the United States in New York City with the goal of premiering, performing and recording and commissioning the widest possible repertoire written by American composers. The group's focus is to celebrate and showcase American music and especially works written by living composers. [1] AME is also dedicated to education and outreach programs that expose communities to American music, and particularly to new music written by living composers. AME was founded in 2005 by American composer Robert Paterson, [2] who serves as the ensemble's Artistic Director, and his wife, Victoria Paterson, a violinist, who also serves as the ensemble's Executive Director. [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Instrumentation

Instrumentation for each concert is repertoire/instrumentation-based and is drawn from a sinfonietta-sized group: flute (doubling alto flute and piccolo), clarinet (doubling bass clarinet and E-flat clarinet), oboe (doubling English horn), bassoon (doubling contrabassoon), 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.

Programmed composers

Incomplete list of composers whose works have been programmed by the American Modern Ensemble through the 2014-15 season:

Artists

Performer Members of AME as of the 2015-16 Season:

Artistic Director, House Composer and Conductor

Guest Conductors

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Saxophone

French horn

Bassoon

Trombone

Percussion

Piano

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Guitar

Harp

Vocalists

Choreographer-In-Residence

†Denotes current core member.

AME Composition Competition

Since 2006, AME has held an annual composition competition for American composers (North, Central and South America). [6] Through 2011, this competition was for composers ages 18–35. Starting in 2012, awards are now given in three categories: Tier I (Young Artist), ages 22 and under; Tier II (Emerging), ages 18–35, and Tier III (Professional), all ages. Former winners from 2011 and past are now considered Tier II winners. Winners receive cash awards, archival recordings and performances of either their winning work or another work.

2014 Ninth Annual Competition

Tier III

Tier II

Tier I

2013 Eighth Annual Competition

Tier III

Tier II

Tier I

2012 Seventh Annual Competition

Tier III

Tier II

Tier I

Past Winners

References

  1. "Halloween Thrills and Chills from the American Modern Ensemble". New York Music Daily. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  2. Robert Paterson's website
  3. Smith, Steve (March 26, 2013). "Composers Explain Whys and Wherefores". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  4. Smith, Steve (November 5, 2009). "Creative Confections for Woodwinds and Strings". The New York Times. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  5. Sandow, Greg. "From Victoria Paterson: Filling the house for new music". Arts Journal.
  6. Bruce, David. "American Modern Ensemble Interview 569". Composition Today. Retrieved July 22, 2015.