The American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) is dedicated to the outstanding performance of contemporary masterworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. With Artistic Director and cellist Clarice Jensen at the helm, ACME programs are both avant-garde and archetypal and the dynamic ensemble's concerts are a unique blend of intelligent performance and passionate music making. Time Out New York reports, "ACME was causing quite a stir in the crowded New York new-music scene . . . polished and playful, its programs are a broad-minded mix of rigor and eclecticism." By performing works by up-and-coming as well as established composers, ACME aims to promote classical contemporary and avant-garde music as a necessary and prevalent component of New York City's cultural scene. Since its first New York concert season in 2004, the ensemble has performed works by John Adams, Louis Andriessen, Caleb Burhans, John Cage, Elliott Carter, George Crumb, Jacob Druckman, Jefferson Friedman, Charles Ives, Ingram Marshall, Donald Martino, Olivier Messiaen, Nico Muhly, Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Frederic Rzewski, Ryan Streber, Toru Takemitsu, Kevin Volans, Edgar Varese, Charles Wuorinen, and Iannis Xenakis. ACME has also performed and or recorded with artists such as Matmos, Grizzly Bear, Craig Wedren and Hauschka.