About
Michael Tilson Thomas (born 1944) is an acclaimed American conductor, composer, and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most important and versatile musical figures of his generation . Known affectionately as "MTT," he is celebrated for his dynamic interpretations of the standard repertoire, passionate advocacy for modern American composers, and groundbreaking work in music education . He served as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony for 25 years (1995-2020), transforming it into a world-class ensemble
Born on December 21, 1944, in Los Angeles into a family with deep theatrical roots—his grandparents were stars of the Yiddish Theater in New York . He was a musical prodigy who studied piano and conducting at the University of Southern California under Ingolf Dahl. As a young musician, he had the unique opportunity to work directly with 20th-century giants like Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, and Aaron Copland
His career skyrocketed in 1969 at age 24 when, as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, he famously substituted for an ailing William Steinberg mid-concert in New York, earning immediate international recognition . He subsequently held positions as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic (1971-1979) and Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1981-1985)
London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) : He served as Principal Conductor from 1988 to 1995 and is now Conductor Laureate
His most celebrated and transformative tenure was as Music Director from 1995 to 2020. He led the orchestra in acclaimed performances, championed American music, and launched their innovative recording label, SFS Media . He is now their Music Director Laureate
In 1987, he co-founded this groundbreaking postgraduate orchestral academy in Miami Beach to train young musicians for leadership roles in music. He remains its Artistic Director Laureate
MTT is known for his insightful, energetic, and emotionally direct conducting style . He is particularly renowned for his interpretations of Gustav Mahler (recording a complete cycle with the SFS) and for championing "American Maverick" composers such as Charles Ives, Carl Ruggles, and Steve Reich
Beyond conducting, he is an active composer with works like From the Diary of Anne Frank and Meditations on Rilke . He is a dedicated educator, known for his Keeping Score TV series and his work with the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts
He lives in San Francisco with his husband, Joshua Robison, whom he married in 2014 . In 2021, he publicly disclosed a diagnosis of glioblastoma (brain cancer) . Despite ongoing treatment, he continued to conduct. However, in February 2025, he announced the tumor had returned and that he was winding down his public performances . On April 26, 2025, he conducted his final, emotional farewell concert with the San Francisco Symphony, marking the end of his illustrious career on the podium