Adams, John (Coolidge)

(born Feb. 15, 1947, Worcester, Mass., U.S.) U.S. composer. After studying at Harvard University, he taught at the San Francisco Conservatory and conducted widely. His compositions, initially strongly influenced by minimalism, became tempered by expressive elements. His (1987) and (1991) are two of the best-known operas of the late 20th century; (2005), his third opera, was also performed often. Other celebrated works include (1980), (1984–85), and (2002; Pulitzer Prize, 2003).

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