I am playing John Adam‘s opera Nixon in China with Chicago Opera Theater this month. It is a really amazing piece, and I recommend checking it out if you can. Here are some performance details. It is a minimalist work, but it is in a more accessible style of minimalist than the music of Steve Reich or some of Philip Glass (Einstein on the Beach is a much more difficult listening experience). The singers are great, as is the orchestra. It is a difficult score and requires a huge amount of concentration to perform.

I worked with John Adams about six years ago in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He conducted an excellent concert. We played some of his music as well as Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5.

Here are some great photos of Nixon’s trip to China.

Here is some historical information on Nixon’s trip to China.

Here is ordering information for the recording.

Here are some interviews with John Adams.

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