Arch Ensemble

The Arch Ensemble for Experimental Music was an American 22-piece chamber group from California, active between ca.1975 and 1986 and co-founded by conductor Robert Hughes (2) and Thomas Buckner, promoter and the Ensemble's tenor vocalist. Buckner worked as a concert promoter in Berkeley, operating his 1750 Arch Concerts agency and 1750 Arch Records. In 1983, Tom Buckner left the Arch Ensemble and relocated to New York. Arch Ensemble specialized in performing and recording new music by established XX-century masters, such as Luigi Dallapiccola, and premiering American composers, including Roscoe Mitchell, Robert Erickson and Robert Ashley. Arch Ensemble Members Conductor – Robert Hughes (2) Bassoon – Greg Barber Cello – Ami Radunskaya Clarinet – William Wohlmacher Flute – Patrice Hambelton French Horn – George Mealy Harp – Paula Abrams Oboe – Robin May (2) Percussion – Norman Peck, Ward Spangler Piano – Rae Imamura Trombone – Daniel Livesay Trumpet – Carole Klein Viola – Nathan Rubin Violin – Dan Smiley Double Bass – J. Karla Lemon, Mel Graves Tenor Vocals – Thomas Buckner