Remembering Classical Music Icon Michael Tilson Thomas

About this episode

The episode pays tribute to the legacy of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas following his passing.

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Joshua Kosman, Mark Leno, Donato Cabrera, John Adams, Julia Bullock

Topics covered

• classical music
• Michael Tilson Thomas
• San Francisco Symphony
• legacy
• education
• cancer

Keywords

• Michael Tilson Thomas
• classical music
• San Francisco Symphony
• legacy
• conductor
• composer
• education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: San Francisco Symphony

Places: San Francisco

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