Born: 1971, London, U.K.

“No one has the final word. No one exhausts the possibilities.”

Adès became the hottest voice in British new music following the premiere of his first opera, Powder Her Face, in 1995. The acclaim was renewed with his second opera, The Tempest, at the Royal Opera House in 2004. He has composed in most genres of concert music, including songs, chamber music, and concertos. His orchestral piece Asyla, premiered in 1997 by Simon Rattle and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, won the 2000 Grawemeyer Music Award. Adès is also a highly regarded pianist and conductor, and served for ten years as Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival.

Further listening:

Living Toys (1993)

London Sinfonietta, Markus Stenz (EMI)

Asyla (1997)

City of Birmingham Symphony

Orchestra, Simon Rattle (EMI)