Elliott Carter, Centenarian Composer

A few years ago, I realized that some famous jazz musicians were still active into their nineties, like pianist Dave Brubeck who contiunes to perform live in concert at age 92. I couldn't believe that a nonagenarian could still handle the physical and mental demands of improvising and touring at a world-class level. However, he's just a spring chicken compared to composer Elliott Carter, who celebrates his 103rd birthday this week with a concert of his music in New York. Mind you, this isn't music he wrote years ago. These are compositions he has written since turning 100! You can read more about this iconic American musician at NPR Music, and the New York Times.