Steve Reich, one of the most influential living composers, approaches his 90th birthday on 3 October with celebrations already underway, including the world premiere of his new piece at the Edinburgh Festival and a BBC Proms concert. The pioneering minimalist's work has fundamentally shaped the modern musical landscape, from contemporary classical and electronic dance music to film soundtracks and popular recordings, influencing artists ranging from David Bowie to Radiohead.

Born in New York in 1936, Reich has spent six decades developing a musical language that blended Stravinsky, Bartók, jazz, Bob Dylan, and African and Indian music into the minimalist aesthetic he helped pioneer alongside contemporaries Philip Glass and Terry Riley. Currently recovering from a recent fall at his home outside New York City, the 89-year-old remains intellectually sharp and creatively active, frustrated only by a wrist injury that impedes his ability to compose at the piano, though he maintains sketches for future work.