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: Brews & Credit (Unions) Team Up - May 29, 2025 NEWS: Film Score Fest: 2025 Edition - March 27, 2025 NEWS: Minnesota Represents at James Beard Awards for Restaurants and Chefs - January 25, 2025 Share on Facebook Share Share on TwitterTweet