John Adams is one of the most important musical voices of America. His tonal language is at once unmistakable and of infinite variety. Minimalism mixes with imaginative orchestration and a jazz-inflected spirit to create a cosmos full of energy and colour that constantly reveals new facets. During the season 2016/2017 John Adams has accompanied the Berliner Philharmoniker as composer in residence.
The orchestra performed a wide variety of his works, from the oratorio The Gospel According to the Other Mary and the famous Harmonielehre to more unfamiliar treasures. The concerts were conducted by chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle and outstanding guests: Gustavo Dudamel, Alan Gilbert and Kirill Petrenko. In the course of this partnership, John Adams himself also made his debut as conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker. The design of the edition is by the world-renowned artist Wolfgang Tillmans.