The Paul Dresher Ensemble interprets the ideas and sounds of today’s most innovative and irreverent composers.

Founded in 1985 by composer and Artistic Director Paul Dresher, the Ensemble is known for its energy, virtuosity and incredible attention to the theatrical dimensions of performance. With the Ensemble, Dresher has guided the creation of American Trilogy in collaboration with writer/performer Rinde Eckert; the John Adams/Peter Sellars/June Jordan musical theater production I Was Looking at The Ceiling and I Saw The Sky; and Ravenshead, which was rated “Best Opera of ’98” by USA Today, among others. The Ensemble also has a long history of collaborating with several dance companies including the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company and ODC San Francisco. The Ensemble regularly tours the US and has performed internationally throughout Europe and at such venues at Festival Interlink in Japan and Arts Summit Indonesia '95.

In 1993 Dresher formed Electro-Acoustic Band out of a desire to create a chamber group that truly addressed the needs of contemporary composers. This ensemble uses the latest advances in music technology to compliment their outstanding ability to perform music rooted variously in the classical tradition, rock and roll, jazz and world music, bringing to life the ideas and sounds of some of today’s most cutting-edge composers. Since 1993 the Electro-Acoustic Band has commissioned and/or premiered works by John Adams, Mark Applebaum, Jay Cloidt, Bun Ching Lam, and many other well-known artists.

[Paul Dresher Ensemble website]