Trending Now - Celebrated Conductor and Composer Michael Tilson Thomas Passes Away at 81
WHO:
San Francisco Chronicle - Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey described Michael Tilson Thomas as "a brilliant conductor, a generous teacher, and a deeply original human being."
San Francisco Chronicle - Board chair Priscilla Geeslin stated, "MTT didn’t just lead the Symphony... His impact reached far beyond the concert hall, touching the life of the city in ways both visible and deeply personal."
Sportskeeda - Michael Tilson Thomas, Grammy-winning conductor, composer, and pianist
ABC News Entertainment - Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned American conductor and composer
WHAT:
San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Tilson Thomas conducted his final performance with the San Francisco Symphony during the “MTT 80th Birthday Concert” in April 2025.
San Francisco Chronicle - Thomas' last subscription program with the Symphony was in January 2024, featuring Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.
San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Tilson Thomas died from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, surrounded by family and friends.
San Francisco Chronicle - Thomas' husband and business manager, Joshua Robison, died on February 24th, 2026, from complications after a fall.
San Francisco Chronicle - Thomas leaves no immediate survivors.
Sportskeeda - Michael Tilson Thomas died at the age of 81.
ABC News Entertainment - Michael Tilson Thomas has died at 81.
WHERE:
San Francisco Chronicle - The block of Grove Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue was renamed MTT Way in December 2023 in honor of Michael Tilson Thomas.
WHEN:
San Francisco Chronicle - Joshua Robison, Thomas' husband, died on February 24th, 2026.
Sportskeeda - Michael Tilson Thomas died on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026.
ABC News Entertainment - Michael Tilson Thomas died at the age of 81.
HOW:
San Francisco Chronicle - Thomas' "Keeping Score" project included videos, radio broadcasts, and audio recordings aimed at introducing classical music to beginners and providing deeper insights for experienced listeners.
San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Tilson Thomas used computerized software to notate and manipulate his scores at his San Francisco home.
Sportskeeda - No specific methods or processes mentioned.
ABC News Entertainment - No specific methods or processes mentioned.
(UPDATED April 24, 2026 17:20 UTC)
Michael Tilson Thomas, a celebrated conductor and influential figure in the classical music world, conducted his final performance with the San Francisco Symphony during the “MTT 80th Birthday Concert” in on Monday25, and his last subscription program featured Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in January 20th24. In a heartfelt tribute, Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey described Thomas as "a brilliant conductor, a generous teacher, and a deeply original human being," while board chair Priscilla Geeslin emphasized his profound impact on the city beyond the concert hall. Following the passing of his husband Joshua RobisFebruary 24th, the block of Grove Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue was renamed MTT Way in December 20th23 to honor Thomas's legacy, which also includes his "Keeping Score" project that aimed to make classical music accessible to all.
--
(UPDATED April 24, 2026 07:31 UTC)
Michael Tilson Thomas has passed away from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, surrounded by family and friends, leaving no immediate survivors. His husband and business manager, Joshua Robison, died earlier this year February 24th from complications after a fall. Thomas was known for his innovative approach to music, using computerized software to notate and manipulate his scores at his San Francisco home.
--
(UPDATED April 24, 2026 05:51 UTC)
Michael Tilson Thomas, the acclaimed Grammy-winning conductor and composer, has died at the age of 81. He passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of music. Details surrounding the circumstances of his passing have not been disclosed.