Philip Glass is an American composer and pianist, recognized as one of the key figures in contemporary music. A pioneer of minimalism, he developed a distinctive style based on repetitive structures and shifting layers. Since founding the Philip Glass Ensemble in 1968, he has composed 15 operas, numerous symphonies, concertos, string quartets, and acclaimed film scores including Kundun, The Hours, and The Truman Show. Glass’s best-known works include the operas Einstein on the Beach, Satyagraha, and Akhnaten. Over his career, he has received major honors such as the National Medal of Arts, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a Golden Globe, along with multiple nominations for Academy and Grammy Awards. His innovative music continues to influence generations of composers and performers.