Remembering Michael Tilson Thomas: A Tribute to a Musical Legend

The San Francisco Symphony's longtime music director, Michael Tilson Thomas, passed away at the age of 81 at his home in San Francisco. He was known as one of the most distinguished American conductors of his generation. His battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, led him to scale back engagements in February 2025. Despite his illness, Tilson Thomas continued to leave a lasting impact on the classical music world. His legacy as a conductor and musician will be remembered for years to come.