Everyone knows about the classical greats. From Beethoven and Bach to Chopin and Tchaikovsky, these men have made their mark in our history books. Now it’s time for someone else to shine – or a select few for that matter. Here’s the FSO’s countdown of the modern composers to watch out for:
- Mark-Anthony Turnage: Hailing from the United Kingdom, Turnage seamlessly blends tradition and modernism in his dazzling compositions. With strong influences of jazz, it’s no wonder that the Daily Telegraph raved Turnage “knows precisely how to hold the audience’s interest and sympathy,” in his scores for soon-to-be classics like “Anna Nicole,” “Greek,” and “The Silver Tassie.”
- Sofia Gubaidulina: One of the few female classical composers to make a splash in the headlines, Gubaidulina was blacklisted as “irresponsible” in her home country of Russia, and many frowned upon her “mistaken path” of music composition. Tackling the limelight like a pro, she became the composer for the title score in “Adventures of Mowgli” and garners international fame thanks to her enchanting mysticism, unusual instrumental combinations, and intense chromatic motives.
- Thomas Adès: As a pianist, composer, and conductor, Adès is a triple threat in classical music. The London native is the focus of contemporary classical music festivals, conductor to international operas and orchestras, and appointed member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and European Academy of Music Theatre.
- Angélica Negrón: WQXR calls her “wistfully idiosyncratic and contemplative,” and Feast of Music describes Negrón as “mesmerizing and affecting,” while The New York Times notes her “quirky approach to scoring.” With accolades like this, it’s no surprise that this young composer is taking the music world by storm. The Puerto Rico native whimsically writes compositions for accordions, toys, and electronics while dominating in chamber ensembles and orchestras like a true chameleon.
- John Adams: The minimalist composer has sparked negative attention for lending his scores to the controversial opera, “The Death of Klinghoffer,” but it’s his impressive resume that should be noted. In 2003, Adams won the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his brilliant 9/11 memorial piece. His work, “Nixon in China”, has a continuous influence on modern history, and The New York Times calls him a “skilled and dynamic conductor” with “gravely beautiful yet restless” music.
- Missy Mazzoli: The Pennsylvania native has been called “Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart” by Time Out New York. Her intelligence and inventive spirit are changing the game for classical music as her operas, including “Song From the Uproar” and “Breaking the Waves,” are being played (and raved about) around the world. The classical music world better watch out because Mazzoli has the attitude of an unapologetic, timeless bonafide composer.
- Max Richter: A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, this classically trained composer, pianist, and producer is selling out shows around the world. Moviegoers may recognize Richter’s work in “Shutter Island,” “Prometheus,” “J. Edgar,” and “Luck.” He’s also made headway in the opera and ballet scene, creating a skillset that’s fit for a true classical music connoisseur.
- Nico Muhly: At only 35 years old, Muhly has built an impressive resume as a movie score composer. As a graduate of Columbia University and the Juilliard School, Muhly has worked on high-profile Hollywood projects like “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “We Bought a Zoo,” “The Reader,” and “Be Kind Rewind.” Keep an eye out for this gifted talent in a theater near you.
- Steve Reich: A pioneer of minimalist music in the 60s, Reich is the influence and the player. This Pulitzer Prize winner hails as “our greatest living composer,” by the New York Times, and “the most original musical thinker of our time,” by The New Yorker. He combines modern and traditional structures, harmonies, and rhythms to change the musical game for good.
- Philip Glass: A Maryland native, Glass has produced music for more than 30 movies, including “Battlestar Galatica,” “Watchmen,” “The Truman Show,” and “Candyman.” The Golden Globe winner and 3-time Academy Award nominee specializes in minimalist music, but his abilities are nothing short of larger than life.
If you’re ready to see another contemporary classical great, see Thomas Pandolfi at our next concert on June 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Jack B. Kussmaul Theater.