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ROBERT AMBROSE (b. 1968)

Robert J. Ambrose enjoys a highly successful and diverse career as a dynamic and engaging conductor and musician. His musical interests cross many genres and can be seen in the wide range of professional activities he pursues. Ambrose studied formally at Boston College, Boston University, and Northwestern University, where he received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting.

An ardent supporter of contemporary and avant-garde music, Ambrose is founder, artistic director and conductor of the contemporary music ensemble Bent Frequency. This ensemble has been hailed by Gramophone Magazine as "one of the brightest ensembles on the [Atlanta] scene," and by the Atlanta Journal Constitution as "a suddenly indispensable part of the Atlanta music scene.” Ambrose is also founder and music director of the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble a highly select youth wind band comprised of nearly one hundred of the most talented high school musicians from the greater Atlanta area. In addition, he is founder and music director of the Atlanta Chamber Winds a professional chamber winds dectet.

Ambrose's interpretations have earned the enthusiastic praise of many leading composers including Leslie Bassett, Michael Colgrass, John Harbison, and Tristan Murail. He has guest conducted across the United States as well as in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, and Singapore. He has conducted over two dozen premiere performances including works by Michael Colgrass, Christopher Theofanidis, Joseph Turrin, Fred Frith, and Charles Knox. Ambrose’s discography includes recordings on the Albany, Summit, and GIA record labels.

Ambrose currently serves as Director of Wind Studies and Ensembles and Associate Director of the School of Music at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He resides in Peachtree City, Georgia with his wife Sarah Kruser Ambrose, a professional flute player, and their daughter Isabelle Grace.

WORKS

Percussion
Io Tacerò by Gesualdo (concert band)