Composer John Adams, left, and conductor Donald Runnicles are shown in San Francisco in September 2005 at a rehearsal for Doctor Atomic. (Dino Vournas/Associated Press)

Composer John Adams will be at the Banff Centre for the Arts in July to work with young artists and conduct two of his most popular works.

Adams, known as one of the most successful composers of contemporary opera for his works Doctor Atomic and Nixon in China, also has created symphonies and chamber music.

He'll conduct two performances of his own works — Shaker Loops, a minimalist piece for three violins, one viola, two cellos and one bass and The Wound-Dresser, based on a Walt Whitman poem.

He'll also mentor young composers in the Banff music residency program.

Banff will host several other high-profile musical guests this summer among them:

• Violinist James Ehnes.
• Singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer.
• Australian didgeridoo player Xavier Rudd.
• Jazz trumpeter Dave Douglas.
• Saxophonist and band leader Ravi Coltrane.

In mid-June, there will be previews of a new opera by composer Gavin Bryars based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Avant-garde Icelandic singer Eivor plays the title role of the piece co-commissioned by Victoria's Aventa New Music.

B.C.'s Wen Wei Dance will show its collaboration with the Beijing Modern Dance Company, before travelling to Ottawa for the 2010 Canada Dance Festival.

The summer performance schedule in Banff also includes literary readings and theatre.