In July 1998, before NewMusicBox existed, Richard Kessler, then celebrating his first anniversary as executive director of the American Music Center, launched a series of conversations called “In The First Person,” by interviewing Steve Reich. Now, in July 2004, as Richard ends his tenure at the American Music Center, it seemed perfect timing to present a second conversation between Kessler and Reich, this time focusing on Richard’s tenure at the American Music Center—how he spearheaded the organization’s renewal and refocus and what that means for new American music.

—FJO