American Modern Ensemble

Established in New York during 2005, the American Modern Ensemble owes its origins to composer Robert Paterson and his spouse, violinist Victoria Paterson, who continue in the roles of artistic director and executive director. Performers are selected from an ever-changing pool for each program according to the works at hand, with 15 to 25 new participants added yearly to accommodate those choices. Ensembles therefore range from small chamber configurations to compact orchestras.

The group prioritizes American repertoire by living composers while still encompassing a broad stylistic spectrum, having presented music by more than 75 creators that stretches from Milton Babbitt through John Luther Adams and Ethelbert Nevin to Robert Paterson. Over 250 such pieces have reached capacity audiences at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Lincoln Center; summer appearances most often take place at the Mostly Modern Festival in Saratoga Springs, New York. Many programs incorporate onstage conversations between composers and performers.

Between 2006 and 2016 the ensemble administered a composition competition that initially limited entrants to ages 18–35 before later introducing additional age categories. As of 2020 it was actively pursuing support to restore the contest on a permanent footing. Educational activities encompass residencies at Princeton University, the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, and Rutgers University, as well as joint projects with the Dance Theater of Harlem.

Recordings have appeared chiefly on the ensemble’s own American Modern Recordings label, though the 2020 release of Michael Torke’s Being marked a move to Ecstatic Records.