Ensembles in Residence
Ensembles In Residence consists of ensembles that are either made up of Mostly Modern Festival faculty, such as MME, or faculty and participants, such as MMO, or are with us for one or more seasons.
Mostly Modern Orchestra
The Mostly Modern Orchestra is the house orchestra for the Mostly Modern Festival and had its inaugural season in 2018. MMO’s mission is to “turn traditional programming on its head,” performing works by living composers who attend the Festival and Institute, alongside 20th and 21st century classics.
The MMO roster consists of Artist Faculty performing side-by-side with musicians from around the world who audition for spots in the orchestra. Conductors have included maestros Kent Tritle (Musica Sacra, Oratorio Society of New York), David Amado (Delaware Symphony), Peter Bay (Austin Symphony Orchestra), JoAnn Falletta (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music), Ruth Reinhardt (Assoc. Dallas Symphony), Alan Pierson (Alarm Will Sound), Christopher Rountree (WildUp), Ankush Kumar Bahl (Omaha Symphony), Ward Stare (Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra), among many others.
MMO is led by conductors who champion new music. In addition, there are conducting participants, who lead rehearsals and performances and conduct readings of brand-new works. Two ‘winning’ works are chosen to be performed on the orchestral programs and conducted by the conducting participants.
MMO performs concertos each season featuring two MMF Concerto Competition winners.
Future plans may include top composers being performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and/or producing professionally-released recordings.
Albany Pro Musica
Albany Pro Musica will serve as Mostly Modern Festival’s Chorus-in-Residence from 2026 to 2028. Led by José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, APM’s Opalka Family Artistic Director, the ensemble will also collaborate with the Mostly Modern Orchestra for one program each season—bringing together one of the region’s leading choral groups with one of the Capital Region’s most distinctive summer music festivals.
Beginning in June 2026, APM will appear on one major festival concert each year at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. The partnership also deepens the creative exchange between the organizations: Robert Paterson will serve as APM’s composer-in-residence for three years, with new works featured on APM concerts in Troy and Saratoga Springs, New York.
About Albany Pro Musica. Albany Pro Musica is the chorus-in-residence at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Now in its fifth decade, APM is recognized nationally for its artistic excellence, unique collaborations, and commitment to education. From mainstage performances and community concerts to international festivals and student programs, APM brings together world-class musicians and diverse audiences through the power of choral music. Learn more at https://albanypromusica.org
MOSTLY Modern Ensemble
Founded in 2005 and formerly known as American Modern Ensemble, Mostly Modern Ensemble (MME) spotlights contemporary music through lively thematic programming and performs a vast repertoire, particularly by living composers. MME is a dynamic, creative force in the modern music scene. Robert Paterson serves as Artistic Director and house composer.
With a world-class ensemble made up of NYC’s finest, [MME] is “simply ‘first-rate’” (The New York Times). MME has performed works by living composers in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to National Sawdust, and has “consistently demonstrated a flair for inventive programming” (Steve Smith, Time Out New York). MME programs both cutting-edge and traditional, work, presenting unique and welcoming events. Sold-out crowds are a winning testament to their fan base and ever-expanding popularity. The Mostly Modern Festival is the summer home for MME. MME presents programs using a robust combination of instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors.
For more information, visit the Mostly Modern Ensemble site.
Mostly Modern Brass
The Mostly Modern Brass is the house brass quintet for the Mostly Modern Festival and had its inaugural season in 2025. MMB performs works by living composers who attend the Festival and Institute, alongside 20th and 21st-century classics. The MMB roster consists of Artist Faculty, including university faculty and members of the New York City Ballet.
Fab5
FAB5’s signature sound combines strings with the cajon & drums, creating a totally unique & engaging experience for everyone. Their fresh vitality makes them a marvelous crowd-pleaser—elegant programming combined with crossover pop—a fresh & fun space for audiences, led by Victoria Paterson. From the concert hall to the community center, FAB5 radiates joy everywhere they go.
