John Adams: Californian by Choice
On Finding his Voice in the Golden State
In many ways, John Adams is the quintessential California composer. He has spent a statistically-significant part of his career writing in and about the state—a number of his works reference deep-cut California history and landscapes. But for John, a New England native, building a decades-long creative life in California was never really the plan.
We sat down with John to chat about his early days in the state, from a blue-collar job working the docks of Oakland, through a teaching stint at the young San Francisco Conservatory, to his musical and stylistic breakthrough. John shares stories about some of his most influential early pieces, including a bout with hangover, honeybee, and world premiere-induced anaphylaxis. To this day, John remains inspired by California, its native and adopted creatives, and where the music industry as a whole has landed.
John Adams portrait by Deborah O’Grady.
Related Stories
In Conversation with Anna Lapwood
The organist and internet sensation discusses her new The Lord of the Rings Organ Symphony, what it’s like to go viral, and her number-one rule when programming a concert.
Listening to The Great Wall of Los Angeles
Explore this hour-long symphonic tribute to the Angelenos who have shaped this city’s history
In Conversation: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Gain more insight into how an artist creates.
In Performance: Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Enjoy a beautiful performance.
Kamasi Washington
Los Angeles’ own Kamasi Washington performs his score to the documentary based on the former First Lady’s bestselling memoir.
Beethoven’s 7th
Who needs to say "joy" when Beethoven's music can make you feel it?