Ryan Adams (b. 1993) is an American composer and vocalist currently based in Tallinn, Estonia. His work strives to create a mutating palette of expression to achieve creative freedom; thus exploring the beauty and essential reality of the unknown. Creations that are multitudinous in meaning and dimension, which allow space for simplicity and complexity, are indicative aspects of his sound-vocabulary.
Ryan holds a master’s degree in classical composition from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and a master’s degree in vocal performance from The Ohio State University.
His works have been performed by Ensemble Fractales, YXUS Ensemble, Arvo Leibur, and the EMTA Sinfonietta; his orchestral works have been conducted by Toomas Vavilov and Paul Mägi.
In 2024, Ryan was awarded second place in the Rudolf Tobiase heliloomingu konkursi for his work “Constellations on a theme by Rudolf Tobias” and the EMTAHK Competition for Sentimental Densities, and was selected to compose an orchestral work for the 105th anniversary of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. In 2023, his work emrof enilisüüf earned him a place among the finalists for the Morton Gould Young Composer Award.
Aside from his role as a creator, Ryan is also an active soloist and ensemble musician. He is currently engaged with Vox Clamantis and also performs with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir. His musical interests span many artistic periods and expressions, which in turn, inspire his compositional work.
Important mentors in composition include Toivo Tulev, Helena Tulve, Vera Stanojevic, and Dina Lentsner.