Lithuanian composer Žibuoklė Martinaitytė writes multilayered music that she hopes will grant listeners the freedom to enter an altered state of mind. Laura Bianchi/Courtesy of the Bogliasco Foundation hide caption
The Composer Interview In-depth conversations with renowned classical composers by NPR Music's Tom Huizenga
Special Series
The Composer Interview
In-depth conversations with renowned classical composers by NPR Music's Tom Huizenga
Composer Jennifer Higdon during rehearsal at the OK Mozart Festival in Oklahoma. Her music receives over 250 performances each year. OK Mozart Festival/OK Mozart Festival hide caption
American composer Steve Reich has invented, developed and evolved interlocking patterns in his music for more than six decades. Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images hide caption
Gabriela Ortiz is occupying the Composer's Chair at Carnegie Hall this season. Marta Arteaga hide caption
Now in her 80s, the New York interdisciplinary artist Meredith Monk remains best known for her extended vocal technique, a concept she found her way to in the 1960s. Christine Alicino hide caption
Composer Anna Clyne — one of the most performed living composers — embraces melody in her music as a vehicle to connect with listeners. Christina Kernohan/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Composer Angélica Negrón, whose works are increasingly heard in concert halls across America, looks to her native Puerto Rico for inspiration. Catalina Kulczar/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
American composer Joan Tower, about to turn 85, is still busy fielding commissions and writing music. Lauren Lancaster hide caption
Anna Thorvaldsdottir begins her composing process by drawing shapes and writing words to help store musical information. Her scores themselves are finely detailed. Hrafn Asgeirsson/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Missy Mazzoli's next opera, Lincoln in the Bardo, was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and is slated for a 2025 production. Caroline Tompkins/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Tania Léon conducts the Youth Orchestra LA in the premiere of her work Pa'lante at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Craig Matthew/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Composer Julia Wolfe's latest work, Her Story, receives its world premiere in Nashville on Sept. 15, 2022. Peter Serling/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
At the beginning of her career, Kaija Saariaho had plenty of doubts. She ended up becoming one of the most revered composers of her generation. Maarit Kytöharju/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Jessie Montgomery's new work Hymn for Everyone receives its world premiere with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on April 28. Jiyang Chen/Courtesy of the artist hide caption