* Pierre Boulez (1925-2016): French composer, conductor, and music theorist. He was one of the leading figures of post-war avant-garde music. His works are characterized by their complex rhythms, textures, and use of serialism.
* Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007): German composer, electronic music pioneer, and music theorist. He is considered one of the most important figures in electronic music and experimental music. His works often explore the use of technology, spatialization, and improvisation.
* György Ligeti (1923-2006): Hungarian composer, music theorist, and teacher. He is best known for his works that explore microtonality, polyrhythms, and complex textures.
* Steve Reich (b. 1936): American composer, minimalist music pioneer, and percussionist. His works are characterized by their use of repetition, phasing, and polyrhythms.
* Philip Glass (b. 1937): American composer, minimalist music pioneer, and pianist. His works are characterized by their use of repetitive structures, drones, and arpeggios.
* John Adams (b. 1947): American composer, conductor, and pianist. His works are often inspired by American history, popular culture, and literature.
* Thomas Adès (b. 1971): British composer, conductor, and pianist. His works are characterized by their eclecticism, combining elements of classical music, jazz, and electronica.
These are just a few of the many important composers who have contributed to the contemporary period of music. Each of these composers has made a significant impact on the development of music in the 20th and 21st centuries.