RIP: Pierre Boulez (1925-2016) Arts Music by Twin Cities Arts Reader - January 7, 2016 Pierre Boulez, one of the most influential figures in Western art music during the 20th century, died January 5 at the age of 90. A Frenchman by birth, he promoted new and avant-garde music across the world as a composer, conductor, pianist, and writer. He earned 26 Grammy Awards, founded and directed the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM), and wrote numerous widely read polemics, including the incisive 1952 essay “Schoenberg is Dead.” Selected obituaries: The Guardian The LA Times The New York Times About Latest Posts Twin Cities Arts ReaderThe Twin Cities Arts Reader is an arts and lifestyles magazine whose coverage examines arts and selected activities in the state of Minnesota and across the country. It provides in-depth, critical arts coverage and reaches more than 600,000 readers per year. Latest posts by Twin Cities Arts Reader (see all) NEWS: Opera America Hall of Fame Inductees Include Minnesota Connections - March 17, 2026 PREVIEW: Minnesota Opera’s 2026-2027 Season - March 16, 2026 PREVIEW: ProMusic Minnesota and America 250 (March 29) - March 16, 2026 Share on Facebook Share Share on TwitterTweet