American Modern Ensemble
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. 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, who serves as the ensemble's Artistic Director, and his wife, Victoria Paterson, a violinist, who also serves as the ensemble's Executive Director.
Instrumentation
Instrumentation for each concert is repertoire/instrumentation-based and is drawn from a sinfonietta-sized group: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, 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:†Denotes current core member.
AME Composition Competition
Since 2006, AME has held an annual composition competition for American composers. Through 2011, this competition was for composers ages 18–35. Starting in 2012, awards are now given in three categories: Tier I, ages 22 and under; Tier II, ages 18–35, and Tier III, 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
- Winner: John Fitz Rogers - Sehnen
- Honorable Mention: Max Grafe - Kheir
- Honorable Mention: Nicholas Omiccioli - push/pull
- Honorable Mention: Wayne Oquin - In Dreams Awake
- Winner: Gabriella Smith - Brandenburg Interstices
- Honorable Mention: Michael Gilbertson - who remembers day
- Honorable Mention: Carolina Heredia - Lus in Bello
- Honorable Mention: Alexander Miller - Echoes in the Dark
- Winner: Vincent Gover - Brook’s Release
- Honorable Mention: Ryan Lindveit - Short Stories
Tier III
- Winner: Carl Schimmel - Roadshow for Otto
- Honorable Mention: Nicolas Scherzinger - Fractured Mirrors
- Honorable Mention: Roger Zare - Fractal Miniatures
- Winner: Nicholas Omiccioli - Flourishes
- Honorable Mention: Paul Frucht - Echo in Roger’s Park
- Honorable Mention: Takuma Itoh - Undercurrent
- Winner: Katherine Balch - Triple Point
- Honorable Mention: Molly Joyce - Parade
- Honorable Mention: Brendan McMullen - Seven Cicadas
Tier III
- Winner: Alejandro Rutty - Black Box Bossa
- Honorable Mention: John Liberatore - Lennon Scatters and Fleeces His Flock
- Winner: Lembit Beecher - Frantic Gnarly Still
- Honorable Mention: Piotr Szewczyk - Nimbus
- Winner: Hillary Purrington - Fixed Mediums
- Honorable Mention: Loren Loiacono - Waking Rhythm