Chamber Music Northwest and the Oregon Bach Festival present the world premiere of a new work for percussion ensemble by one of the most lauded living American composers.

In 1989, John Luther Adams reached a career crossroads. For more than a decade, the 36-year-old musician/environmentalist had led a double life: as an activist whose leadership contributed to the passage of one of America’s most important ecological laws, the Alaska Native Lands Act; and as a composer inspired by the same natural treasures he worked by day to preserve.

It was too much. With his health, relationship, and music all in turmoil, he thought about quitting his day job to devote himself to composing full-time. His boss offered him the opportunity to continue working half-time.

As he often did, Adams called his friend and mentor, Portland-born composer Lou Harrison, for advice. “As usual,” Adams remembered, “Lou spoke directly to the situation:’There are no half-time jobs, John. Only half-time salaries.’ I promptly quit my job and never looked back.”