Composer in Residence
Ember Choral Arts is thrilled to welcome New York City-based composer Robert Paterson as Ember's first-ever Composer-in-Residence (CIR) for 2023-2026.
2023-2026 Residency Plans
Paterson's three-year residency will include commissions for three new works: the first for choir and hang drum performed by Paterson, the second a co-commission for choir and percussion ensemble, and the third co-commission for choir and chamber ensemble with New York City-based American Modern Ensemble. Each of these works will be premiered in New York City and New Jersey. In addition, Paterson will lead Ember's brand-new Ember Ablaze Choral Lab, an exciting, brand-new opportunity for young and emerging composers conceived by Paterson and Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, Ember's Artistic Director. Each composer will receive a commission and a workshop of a new work with Ember and a world premiere performance. Paterson's three commissioned works will also be workshopped alongside the works by the EACL composers to demonstrate the workshop process.
About Robert Paterson
Described by the press as “a modern-day master” (AXS.com) and the “highlight of the program” (The New York Times), Robert Paterson has won awards for his music in virtually every classical genre. The Classical Recording Foundation at Carnegie’s Weill Hall named Paterson Composer of The Year in 2011, and in addition to Ember, his music has been performed by over one hundred outstanding choirs and ensembles, including Musica Sacra in NYC, Chamber Choir of Europe, Atlanta Master Chorale, Volti, New Amsterdam Singers, New York Choral Consortium, Nashville Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, Austin Symphony, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Recent commissions and performances include the New York City premiere of Whitman’s America for chorus, orchestra, and vocal soloists at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, featuring the Oratorio Society of New York conducted by Kent Tritle; the world premiere of I Go Among Trees, commissioned by New Amsterdam Singers, Clara Longstreth, conductor, in honor of their 50th anniversary, and Look To The Sky, New York Choral Consortium’s first-ever commissioned by the New York Choral Consortium for the BIG SING’s ten-year anniversary.
Paterson’s recent debut choral album, Eternal Reflections, was released by Musica Sacra and Maestro Kent Tritle to critical acclaim. Paterson’s numerous awards include a three-year Music Alive grant from the League of American Orchestras and New Music USA, the American Composers Forum Jerome Composers Commissioning Program, and winning the Utah Arts Festival Commission Competition and Cincinnati Camerata Composition Competition.
Born in 1970, Paterson was raised in Buffalo, New York, the son of a sculptor and a painter. Although his first love was percussion, he soon discovered a passion for composition, writing his first piece at age thirteen. Paterson regularly gives master classes at numerous colleges and universities, most recently at the Curtis Institute of Music, Aspen Music Festival, New York University, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Paterson’s recordings are also featured on the American Modern Recordings, Capstone, Centaur, and Summit labels.
Paterson resides in New York City and Saratoga Springs, NY, with his wife, Victoria, and son, Dylan. For more information, visit robertpaterson.com.
Find Robert on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud
Robert's music is published by Bill Holab Music
