Robert Ashley

Robert Ashley (March 28, 1930 in Ann Arbor, Michigan – March 3, 2014) was a distinguished figure in American contemporary music. He held an international reputation for his work in new forms of opera and multi-disciplinary projects. His recorded works are acknowledged classics of language in a musical setting.

Ashley was educated at the University of Michigan and the Manhattan School of Music. At the University of Michigan, he worked at the Speech Research Laboratories, focusing on psycho-acoustics and cultural speech patterns. He also served as a Research Assistant in Acoustics at the Architectural Research Laboratory.

With influences from various genres such as David Behrman, Alvin Curran, Pauline Oliveros, and Terry Riley among others*, Robert Ashley's unique style has left an indelible mark on contemporary music. Discover his groundbreaking compositions that push boundaries and redefine what is possible within the realm of opera and interdisciplinary art.