Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas dies at 81
AP News
—
Renowned American conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas has died at 81.
His spokesperson Connie Shuman says Tilson Thomas died Wednesday night.
He led orchestras in Buffalo, Miami, London and San Francisco.
Tilson Thomas had surgery for a brain tumor in 2021 and in February 2025 announced the tumor had returned.
He conducted his final concert with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025.
Tilson Thomas received 39 Grammy nominations, winning 12, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2019.
His husband, Joshua Robison, died in February.
Tilson Thomas was known for his deep understanding of music and his impactful compositions.
Michael Tilson Thomas Dies at 81
- Grammy-winning conductor who performed for Audrey Hepburn, Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II dies at 81 Daily Mail —
- Who was Michael Tilson Thomas? Music legend dies at 81 USA Today —
- Remembering Michael Tilson Thomas, a Vital American Conductor Wall Street Journal —
- Michael Tilson Thomas on his love of music | 60 Minutes Archive CBS News —
- Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81 The Independent —