The Richard and Barbara Debs Composer’s Chair
Since 1995, the Richard and Barbara Debs Composer’s Chair has appointed exceptional artists to create some of the season’s most exciting series of events. Each chair is a captivating creator with a strong musical point of view, and each residency introduces audiences to a wide range of music that reflects the chair’s unique artistry, inspirations, and influences.
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2024–2025 Season
Gabriela Ortiz
Named “one of the most talented composers in the world” by longtime collaborator Gustavo Dudamel, Mexico’s Gabriela Ortiz creates endlessly vibrant music that blends and transcends multiple musical traditions.
2025–2026 Season
Arvo Pärt
Artists and audiences from around the world join us in celebrating Arvo Pärt in his 90th year. As a composer, Pärt has changed the course of music—both within and beyond the classical sphere. Profound, powerful, and beloved worldwide, his work transcends time and space, taking us beyond everyday existence into another realm.
Past Artists
Tania León
Claire Chase
Julia Wolfe
Andrew Norman
Jörg Widmann
Chris Thile
Philip Glass
Steve Reich
Kronos Quartet
Meredith Monk
David Lang
Osvaldo Golijov
Kaija Saariaho
Brad Mehldau
Louis Andriessen
Elliott Carter
Thomas Adès
John Adams
Pierre Boulez
