The orchestral industry is mourning a terrible loss. Michael Tilson Thomas was a highly respected conductor and composer. He is credited with transforming the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra into a world-class institution. He’d been with them for 25 years.
Michael was born into a family with deep theatrical roots. He had early aspirations to become a pianist, but an injury put a wrench into that dream. Following that, he shifted his focus to conducting, becoming a towering figure for numerous orchestras across the United States and the world.
The musician has died, reports confirm
It’s been a sad week for those who knew Michael and supporters of his work. His death was confirmed on his Instagram account with a heartwarming tribute to him. He died of cancer on Wednesday. Michael had been battling the aggressive brain cancer known as Glioblastoma Multiforme since 2021. “Through his illness, he continued to make music- a testament to his legacy as an artist and communicator,” the caption read.
In 1987, he co-founded the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. The facility was designed to support musicians entering their professional careers. That program has mentored over 1,000 musicians, many of whom went on to the San Francisco Symphony.
Michael also went on to become the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra from 1988 to 1995. After that, he became the 11th music director of San Francisco’s Symphony. Further, in April 2005, he conducted the Carnegie Hall premiere of The Thomashefskys: Music and Memories of a Life in the Yiddish Theater. This was partly in tribute to his grandparents.
Additionally, in his career, Michael won numerous Grammys for his orchestral performances and albums. His longtime partner Joshua Robison died exactly two months before him following a spinal cord injury. Michael was 81.
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