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Joan Tower

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American composer Joan Tower, about to turn 85, is still busy fielding commissions and writing music. Lauren Lancaster hide caption

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Lauren Lancaster

Composer Joan Tower is finally going easy on herself

August 8, 2023 • With plenty of humor, the octogenarian talks about her far-reaching career — including why she fled the modernist school of composers — and some mysterious visitations from her dead heroes.

Beethoven's Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Enlightenment

A portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven, painted in 1804 by W.J. Mähler. Wikimedia Commons hide caption

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Wikimedia Commons

Beethoven's Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Enlightenment

December 17, 2020 • Growing up in a progressive city, Ludwig van Beethoven embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment, the philosophical movement that shook Europe and helped shape the composer's music.

Beethoven's Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Enlightenment

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19th Amendment, 19 Women: NY Philharmonic's 2020 Program Celebrates Suffragists

Tania León speaks at the premiere of her piece "Stride," one of 19 pieces composed by women that the New York Philharmonic commissioned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Chris Lee/Courtesy New York Philharmonic hide caption

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Chris Lee/Courtesy New York Philharmonic

Deceptive Cadence

19th Amendment, 19 Women: NY Philharmonic's 2020 Program Celebrates Suffragists

February 16, 2020 • The NY Philharmonic has commissioned 19 women to create new works to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment. It's called Project 19.

19th Amendment, 19 Women: NY Philharmonic's 2020 Program Celebrates Suffragists

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Music News

'Made in America,' from Coast to Coast

February 11, 2008 • Over an 18-month period, Joan Tower's Made in America was heard in all 50 states, played by 65 different orchestras. Her composition, conducted by Leonard Slatkin, has now netted three Grammy awards.

Hear 'Made in America' (Leonard Slatkin conducts the Nashville Symphony)

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