Michael Tilson Thomas’ S.F. Symphony 80th birthday concert to be his last

 

Three years after announcing his initial diagnosis, San Francisco Symphony Music Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas’ brain tumor has returned, forcing the longtime conductor to officially step down from performing.

“There are treatment options, but the odds are uncertain,” Thomas revealed in an email addressed “Dear friends” sent out Monday, Feb. 24. “Now is the time to wind down my public appearances.” His March concerts at Miami Beach’s New World Symphony, which Thomas founded in 1987, and his 80th birthday celebration on April 26 with the San Francisco Symphony will be his last.  “At that point we all get to say the old show business expression, ‘It’s a wrap,’” he wrote.

Thomas retired as music director of the San Francisco Symphony at the end of the 2019-20 season, concluding his 25-year career here. He later revealed he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2021.

After undergoing surgery and treatment at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center, Thomas continued to make guest appearances as a conductor with the Symphony and other orchestras around the world. His performance at Davies Symphony Hall in January 2024, conducting Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, had locally been considered to be his farewell.

“During the past year I had the opportunity to come full circle with musicians and orchestras I hold most dear,” he reflected, noting the “very special” work he has done with the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic over the past year. But, he concluded, “Now is the time to wind down my public appearances.”

His birthday celebration at the San Francisco Symphony is slated to feature Thomas conducting two works: Benjamin Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” and Ottorino Respighi’s “Roman Festivals.” Singers Frederica von Stade, Sasha Cooke, Jessica Vosk and Ben Jones have all been announced for the program singing works by Thomas and other composers.

The Symphony describes the evening as “Part lively musical journey through cherished memories, part celebration of a singular artist.”

“Michael Tilson Thomas has been the beating heart of the San Francisco Symphony for over 25 years, shaping its sound, spirit and stature on the world stage,” Symphony Board President Priscilla Geeslin told the Chronicle. “His vision and boundless creativity have transformed not just the orchestra but the cultural landscape of San Francisco itself, making our city a beacon for musical excellence.”

As conductor and composer, Thomas is globally known for his innovative approach to classical music. In his career, he has won 12 Grammy Awards, and received the Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of Arts.

Thomas’ more than two-decadelong leadership at the San Francisco Symphony was seen as key to raising its profile as an internationally renowned orchestra. He reshaped the city’s cultural landscape through ambitious projects like the experimental SoundBox series and multimedia education initiatives such as Keeping Score. Thomas has also been a staunch advocate for music in public schools, with generations of students attending Symphony concerts and rehearsals for free under his leadership.

Collaborations with unexpected artists like Bay Area heavy metal band Metallica also helped the 114-year-old Symphony reach new audiences.

“From moments in the car reviewing markings in his score of the Schumann Fourth Symphony to exploring the works of Lou Harrison together in preparation for a SoundBox program, Michael has shaped my perspective of both music and humanity,” Symphony CEO Matt Spivey said.

“But more importantly, he has made a truly indelible mark on our Orchestra, the City of San Francisco, and the entire music world. … Our thoughts are with Michael and Joshua as Michael navigates this next phase in his journey with Glioblastoma.”

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