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

Thursday January 26, 2023

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

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Caroline Tompkins/Courtesy of the artist

For Missy Mazzoli, composing is the hard work of making life easier

January 26, 2023 • The composer of Breaking the Waves speaks candidly about equity in her field, the importance of role models and the unglamorous side of writing music every day.

Friday December 2, 2022

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

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Craig Matthew/Courtesy of the artist

The unplanned, unstoppable career of composer Tania León

December 2, 2022 • Failure was not an option when Léon arrived in New York, a determined 24-year-old pianist from Cuba. At nearly 80, she says some things haven't changed.

Thursday April 28, 2022

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

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Jiyang Chen/Courtesy of the artist

Can classical music really be inclusive? Composer Jessie Montgomery thinks so

April 28, 2022 • With orchestras clamoring for her work, the rising artist feels a responsibility and opportunity to help reframe classical music and the institutions that present it.