San Francisco Conservatory, New Music Ensemble

Founded in 1968, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's New Music Ensemble is dedicated to the performance of late 20th century works and new works of the 21st century. Nationally acclaimed composer John Adams shaped the group during its early years by establishing connections with West Coast composers and developing a broad Bay Area audience. Since 1999, Nicole Paiement has been appointed the new Artistic Director. Through her leadership the Ensemble has commissioned and premiered many new pieces by prominent American composers-including composers such as John Harbison and Mario Davidovsky. In April 2001, the ensemble commissioned and recorded CDs of several works for the 80th birthday tribute to distinguished composer and Conservatory faculty member Andrew Imbrie. Under Paiement's baton, the ensemble has recorded the world premiere of Conservatory faculty member David Conte's opera The Return of the Magi in 2000, available now on the Arsis label.

NME participates regularaly in the BluePrint Project. Recent recordings include Milhauds' Aspen Serenade and Andrew Imbrie's Spring Fever.