Ink Still Wet

Hardly any living composer has had such a lasting influence on the music of recent decades as Steve Reich. The New York-born American, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on 3 October 2026, is regarded as one of the most important pioneers of minimal music and, with his unmistakable style, has redefined the boundaries between classical music, jazz, pop and contemporary art.

Even in his early works, Reich developed the compositional techniques that are now inextricably linked with his name. In pieces such as «Piano Phase» (1967), simple musical patterns give rise, through minimal shifts, to fascinating soundscapes of hypnotic power. Small changes give rise to complex rhythmic structures that release a unique energy. Works such as «Clapping Music» (1972) brought his music to the attention of audiences far beyond the classical avant-garde and are now regarded as key works of the 20th century.

Reich’s musical language draws on a wide variety of influences. Shaped by Johann Sebastian Bach and Igor Stravinsky, as well as by jazz greats such as John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, he created an entirely new sonic universe. His influence extends far beyond the concert hall: artists such as Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, Peter Gabriel, Radiohead and The National draw on his ideas. His work has also left a deep mark on other art forms, for example in the dance works of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker or in his collaboration with the painter Gerhard Richter.

At the same time, Reich’s music is always closely linked to his life story and the issues of his time. In works such as «Different Trains» (1988), he reflects on his Jewish heritage and combines personal memories with the historical experiences of the Holocaust. In «City Life» (1995), on the other hand, he transforms the sounds and rhythms of speech from his home city of New York into musical material, thereby creating a striking sonic portrait of urban life.

On 3 October 2026, Steve Reich will celebrate his 90th birthday. Grafenegg is honouring this anniversary and his extraordinary contribution to music history with a major programme centred on him as Composer in Residence for 2027. An exhibition, orchestral concerts, chamber music programmes and video works will offer a variety of perspectives on his oeuvre and demonstrate the enduring relevance of his music. At the same time, Reich is following in the footsteps of his predecessors as Composer in Residence: as director of the renowned «Ink Still Wet» composition workshop, he will work with young composers and share his experience and artistic ideas with the next generation of musicians.

With Steve Reich, Grafenegg honours an artist whose work has had a lasting impact on contemporary music history. His compositions combine intellectual clarity with rhythmic energy and an immediate emotional impact. To this day, they continue to inspire generations of musicians, composers and artists across a wide range of disciplines. Reich’s music demonstrates how simple ideas can give rise to a fascinating diversity – and why his influence on the world of music remains undiminished to this day.

• Tonkunstler Orchestra
• David Robertson · Conducting Coach
• Participants of the composer conductor workshop Ink Still Wet · Composers / Conductors