named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Collaborative Performances
ACME collaborates with artists such as Meredith Monk, Grizzly Bear, and Jeff Mangum, and ensembles like Roomful of Teeth and Random Dance.
Drone Mass Recording and Performance
ACME premiered and recorded Jóhann Jóhannsson’s "Drone Mass," a contemporary oratorio commissioned by the ensemble and released on Deutsche Grammophon.
Max Richter’s Sleep Performances
ACME performs Max Richter’s eight-hour composition "Sleep" for a sleeping audience, presented globally at venues including the Sydney Opera House and LA’s Grand Park.
World Premieres and Commissions
ACME gives world premieres of works by contemporary composers including Clarice Jensen, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Caroline Shaw, and others, often commissioning new pieces.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Performing contemporary classical musicPresents live performances of 20th and 21st-century classical music at major venues and festivals in the U.S. and internationally, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, BAM, The Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and Big Ears Festival. Performs works by composers such as Steve Reich, Caroline Shaw, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Witold Lutosławski, Steven Stucky, Andrzej Panufnik, Aleksander Lason, and Timo Andres.
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Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
- Recording and releasing contemporary classical musicProduces and releases commercial recordings of contemporary classical works, including the world premiere recording of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Drone Mass on Deutsche Grammophon (March 2022), Thrive on Routine, Max Richter’s Sleep, and the first commercial recording of Joseph Byrd’s music.
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Commissioning New Musical Works 1 activity
- World premieres and reconstructions of contemporary worksGives world premieres of new compositions by contemporary composers including Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Drone Mass, Caroline Shaw’s Ritornello, and Clarice Jensen’s The Exaltation of Inanna. Reconstructed and premiered Julius Eastman’s The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc by transcribing a lost score from a recording, performing it at The Kitchen in 2016.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Participating in Max Richter’s touring productionsRegularly performs as part of Max Richter’s ensemble on U.S. and Canada tours, including performances of his eight-hour composition Sleep for a sleeping audience at global locations such as the Great Wall of China, Sydney Opera House, and LA’s Grand Park.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$90K
Contributions & grants$1K1%
Program service revenue$89K99%
Investment income——
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$91K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$25K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$7K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$7K
5 years on record · 2021–2025 · YoY revenue +238.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARICE JENSEN | SECRETARY | 8 | $14K |
| CHRISTINA JENSEN | TREASURER | 8 | $12K |
relationships · 15
Who they work with
- Deutsche Grammophon Funder — Record label releasing ACME’s recordings including Drone Mass and Sleep
- Greenwall Foundation Funder — Funder supporting ACME's activities
- Grizzly Bear Partner — Collaborative musical partner
- Jóhann Jóhannsson Partner — Commissioned and premiered his work Drone Mass; recorded posthumous release
- Low Partner — Collaborative musical partner
- Matmos Partner — Collaborative musical partner
- Max Richter Partner — Collaborated with Max Richter on U.S. and Canada Tour.
- Max Richter Partner — Collaborative performer in global presentations of Sleep
- Meredith Monk Partner — Collaborator in performance projects
- New Amsterdam Records Funder — Label for recordings of William Brittelle’s and Jefferson Friedman’s works performed by ACME
- New Music USA Funder — Funder through its Cary New Music Performance Fund
- New World Records Funder — Label for the first commercial recording of Joseph Byrd’s music performed by ACME
- Roomful of Teeth Partner — Collaborative ensemble partner
- The Aaron Copland Fund for Music Funder — Funder supporting ACME's concerts and commissions
- Theatre of Voices Partner — Collaborated on the recording of Drone Mass led by Paul Hillier
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Contemporary Repertoire Advancementmethodology: contemporary_repertoire_focusBy focusing on classical music from the 20th and 21st centuries, the ensemble advances artistic engagement and expands access to contemporary masterworks, because sustained emphasis on new music fosters innovation and public connection to living composers.
- Immersive Artistic Experiencemethodology: immersive-performanceBy presenting immersive, durational performances that depart from traditional concert formats, the ensemble deepens audience engagement, because experiential and extended formats create stronger emotional and cognitive connections to new music.