By Lina Broydo
With deep sadness, the San Francisco Symphony shares that sad news that the San Francisco Symphony’s beloved Music Director Laureate, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) died at home on Wednesday evening April 22 surrounded by family and friends.
It’s hard to put into words Michael’s extraordinary impact on the San Francisco Symphony and on classical music. He made his debut with the Symphony in 1974 at age 29 and, since then, led nearly 1,800 concerts over the course of his 52-year relationship with the Symphony. During his incredible 25-year tenure as Music Director, Michael oversaw the launch of SFS Media, the Symphony’s own recording label, which released many Grammy Award-winning recordings; introduced Keeping Score, creating a lasting and memorable music education experience for countless people; and created unforgettable concert experiences for our audiences and community. He became a San Franciscan through and through, and the city, in turn, embraced him as its own.
We all know that MTT was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme—an aggressive type of brain cancer—in 2021. He shared in early 2025 that it had returned, and that he would, at that point, wind down public performances. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to honor Michael in April 2025 for his final performance, held in celebration of his 80th birthday. It was an incredibly meaningful moment for Michael and for the Symphony. Through his illness he continued to make music—a testament to his legacy as a musician and communicator.
When he announced the return of his cancer in 2025, Michael wrote, “A ‘coda’ is a musical element at the end of a composition that brings the whole piece to a conclusion. A coda can vary greatly in length. My life’s coda is generous and rich.”
He was predeceased by his devoted husband, Joshua Robison, who passed away earlier this year on February 22. We know both Michael and Joshua are deeply missed.
The San Francisco Symphony will dedicate the June 18, 20-21 performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to Michael Tilson Thomas. Plans for a special concert in celebration of his life and lasting impact will be shared at a later date.
On the podium, MTT brought brilliance, curiosity, and a singular voice that reshaped the Orchestra. Off the podium, he revealed warmth, wit, and a generosity of spirit that made getting to know him as a friend an unexpected gift. MTT didn’t just lead the Symphony—he became part of the cultural fabric of San Francisco itself, expanding what it meant to be an orchestra in a city like ours. His impact reached far beyond the concert hall, touching the life of the city in ways both visible and deeply personal. His legacy lives on at the San Francisco Symphony and in the music, the memories, and the community he helped shape.
On a personal note: My cultural life was enriched by attending Michael’s many concerts with the SF Symphony. It was an unbeatable partnership in conveying and interpreting the amazing compositions while showcasing the talented musicians and soloists from around the world. A life well spent and created.
Farewell Michael.
