1. Igor Stravinsky: Known for his groundbreaking compositions such as "The Rite of Spring," "Petrushka," and "Symphony of Psalms."
2. Arnold Schoenberg: A pioneer of atonality and serialism, his works include "Pierrot Lunaire," "Verklärte Nacht," and "Moses und Aron."
3. Béla Bartók: Hungarian composer known for his integration of folk music into classical compositions. Notable works include "Concerto for Orchestra" and "Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta."
4. Sergei Prokofiev: Russian composer with a versatile style, blending classical and modern elements. His works include "Romeo and Juliet" (ballet), "Symphony No. 5," and "Peter and the Wolf."
5. Dmitri Shostakovich: Another prominent Russian composer known for his powerful and often politically charged compositions. His symphonies, including "Symphony No. 5," "Symphony No. 7 (Leningrad)," and "Symphony No. 10," are notable works.
6. Alban Berg: Austrian composer and student of Schoenberg. Berg's operas "Wozzeck" and "Lulu" are considered landmarks of contemporary music.
7. Benjamin Britten: English composer known for his operas, including "Peter Grimes," "Billy Budd," and "Death in Venice." His "War Requiem" is also a notable work.
8. Aaron Copland: American composer known for his distinctly American style. His works include "Appalachian Spring," "Billy the Kid" (ballet), and "Fanfare for the Common Man."
9. John Cage: American composer and pioneer of experimental music. Known for his exploration of indeterminacy, silence, and chance operations in music. Cage's works include "4'33"," "Sonatas and Interludes," and "Music of Changes."
10. Pierre Boulez: French composer and conductor. A leading figure in post-war modernism, Boulez's works are characterized by complex structures and innovative use of musical materials. Notable compositions include "Le Marteau sans Maître" and "Répons."
11. Steve Reich: American composer known for his contributions to minimalism and phasing techniques. His works include "Music for 18 Musicians," "Different Trains," and "Tehillim."
12. Philip Glass: Another prominent American composer associated with minimalism. His works include operas such as "Einstein on the Beach," "Satyagraha," and film scores like "Koyaanisqatsi."
13. John Adams: American composer known for his large-scale orchestral works and operas. His compositions include "Nixon in China," "Harmonielehre," and "Doctor Atomic."
14. Kaija Saariaho: Finnish composer known for her ethereal and evocative music. Notable works include the opera "L'Amour de Loin," "Orion," and "Terra Memoria."
15. Thomas Adès: English composer and conductor. His works often combine elements of traditional and contemporary music. Notable pieces include "Asyla," "The Tempest" (opera), and "Polaris."
These composers represent a diverse range of styles and approaches, contributing significantly to the richness and complexity of contemporary classical music.