Sameera Troesch currently advises clients within Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) on a variety of legal matters and was formerly a corporate associate in Sullivan & Cromwell LLP’s New York and London offices. She holds an AB from Harvard College, where she was involved with the Lowell House Opera. Having previously served as a young patron of various arts organizations in London and New York City, Troesch joined the Board of ACO in 2018. Her dedication to ACO took on new relevance after a personal loss, which cemented her desire to help young, talented artists pursue their dreams, particularly in music.
Melissa Ngan cultivates personal and organizational growth through creative acts and collaborative practices. She has over fifteen years of experience in civic practice-based program design; arts administration; diversity, equity, and inclusion practices; professional development and entrepreneurship in the arts; and as a professional flutist. Melissa also serves on the board of Fifth House Ensemble, the Chicago-based organization she founded in 2005. Active as a speaker and educator, she serves on the faculties of the Eastman School of Music, DePauw University, and DePaul University, and has presented at Opera America, Chamber Music America, and College Music Society. She has consulted with major arts institutions, resulting in bold new directions in civic practice and emerging artist training; recent partners include The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Institute of Music, and San Francisco Opera.
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated violinist/composer Curtis Stewart aims to translate stories of self determination to the concert stage. Tearing down the facade of “Classical Violinist,” Stewart is in constant pursuit of his musical authenticity, treating art as a battery for realizing citizenship. He enjoys bouncing between MTV specials with Wyclef Jean and sold out shows at Madison Square Garden with Stevie Wonder to stints at the Kennedy Center with the Jimmy Heath Big Band and runs at the Guggenheim, MoMA and Whitney Museums in NYC. Curtis has performed as a classical soloist at Lincoln Center, with the New York Philharmonic Bandwagon, as well as held chamber music residencies at Carnegie Hall, the MET Museum and National Sawdust. His work realizes a vision to find personal and powerful connections between styles, cultures, and music. Curtis teaches at The Juilliard School, Perlman Music Program, has been commissioned to write works for the Royal Conservatory of music, The Virginia Symphony, The Eastman Cello Institute, New York Festival of Song, PUBLIQuartet, and Carnegie Hall: Play/USA.
Derek Bermel, Artistic Director Laureate
George Manahan, Music Director Emeritus
Dennis Russell Davies, Conductor Laureate
American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders.
Get notified about new events, opportunities and the latest ACO happenings
