Nixon in China is a political statement

John Adams in conversation with Bruce Duffie (1989)

Composer John Adams © Margaretta K. Mitchell

How do you divide your career between composing and conducting?

In the past, I really only conducted new music, and did so partly as an adjunct to my teaching.  But since 1983, I have not taught at all, and I make my living strictly as a composer.  I supplement my income by conducting, which, as anyone will tel…