Principal
David Ammer is principal trumpet of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra at the Detroit Opera House, and a member-artist of Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, for which he also serves in an artistic advisory role and frequently is featured as a soloist. He is a founding member of the Motor City Brass Quintet, whose 2009 CD Christmas Vespers has received critical acclaim for its premiere recording of John Harbison’s complete title work, and has performed at venues throughout Michigan and beyond, including most of Detroit’s prominent concert halls, churches, chamber spaces, and sports arenas, including several appearances on live TV and radio.
He has performed alongside both the world-acclaimed Canadian Brass and Empire Brass quintets, and guest-performs frequently as principal or section trumpet with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in symphonic and chamber settings alike, often video-streamed worldwide.
Originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, David previously performed with the Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra and served on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts (Boston). He has led several collegiate-level trumpet master classes in the Great Lakes region, as well as many education and patron appreciation forums under the auspices of both Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings and as a guest artist of the Detroit Symphony. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Yale University, his 2011 solo CD, La Trompette a Renouvelé!, features premiere recordings of 20th century recital works. His principal teachers include the chamber brass pioneers Raymond Mase, formerly of the American Brass Quintet, and Allan Dean, formerly of the New York Brass Quintet. David resides with his family in Ann Arbor, MI, where he also enjoys tennis, skiing, and photography.
