Robert Ashley Overview

Composer Robert Ashley is best known for his experimental operas, particularly his pioneering opera set for television, "Perfect Lives". Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he was a founding member of the ONCE Group, and a member of the Sonic Arts Union,... [more]

Composer Robert Ashley is best known for his experimental operas, particularly his pioneering opera set for television, "Perfect Lives". Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he was a founding member of the ONCE Group, and a member of the Sonic Arts Union, which included David Behrman, Alvin Lucier, and Gordon Mumma. His operas focus heavily upon an emphasized inflection of speech with heavy accents on certain consonants creating a uniquely beautiful and hypnotic sound environment. [show less]