Remembering Classical Music Icon Michael Tilson Thomas
We remember legendary conductor, composer, educator and San Francisco icon Michael Tilson Thomas who died on Wednesday.
April 24, 2026
54 min
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3,308 of 3,393
April 24, 2026
Remembering Classical Music Icon Michael Tilson Thomas
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Remembering Classical Music Icon Michael Tilson Thomas
Summary
We’ll remember legendary conductor, composer, educator and San Francisco icon Michael Tilson Thomas who died on Wednesday. He served 25 years as music director of the San Francisco Symphony and was a towering figure in the classical music world in the Bay Area and globally. He is credited with revamping classical music with his risky musical choices, innovative collaborations, and talent for teaching young people. Thomas retired from the symphony in 2020 and was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer around that same time. We’ll talk about Thomas’ legacy and lasting imprint on San Francisco.
Guests:
Joshua Kosman, classical music critic, San Francisco Chronicle
Mark Leno, former California state senator; longtime friend of Michael Tilson Thomas
Donato Cabrera, music and artistic director, California Symphony
John Adams, composer - his new opera "Girls of the Golden West" runs at San Francisco Opera through December 10th
Julia Bullock, Grammy-winning opera singer
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