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.

2024–2025 Season

Gabriela Ortiz
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

Past Artists

Claire Chase smiles in a performance, holding two pieces of wood.

Claire Chase

Julia Wolfe

Julia Wolfe

Andrew Norman

Andrew Norman

Jörg Widmann

Jörg Widmann

Chris Thile

Chris Thile

Philip Glass

Philip Glass

Steve Reich

Steve Reich

Kronos Quartet

Kronos Quartet

Meredith Monk

Meredith Monk

David Lang

David Lang

Osvaldo Golijov

Osvaldo Golijov

Kaija Saariaho

Kaija Saariaho

Brad Mehldau

Brad Mehldau

Louis Andriessen

Louis Andriessen

Elliott Carter

Elliott Carter

Thomas Adès

Thomas Adès

John Adams

John Adams

Pierre Boulez

Pierre Boulez

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

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