MPR Classical Music Host Tom Crann interviews John Adams, one of the best known living American composers. Adams returns to St. Paul to conduct his own work, and some of the work that he says has inspired him over the years. John Adams will lead The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as it plays works by Debussy, Satie Ravel, and his own Violin Concerto.

Adams speaks about his work, and the state of orchestral composition. Adams thinks he may be among the last of a dying breed, saying orchestras are reluctant to commission and play the works of modern composers. All factors that Adams admits makes selecting the music to go with his own work for a concert difficult.

Segment includes music clips.