Michael Tilson Thomas, often known as MTT, is an illustrious American conductor, pianist, and composer whose expansive career has established him as one of the most celebrated figures in classical music. Born on December 21, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, he comes from a family with a rich legacy in the arts, which undoubtedly influenced his early foray into music. MTT is particularly renowned for his interpretation of American composers' works, such as Gershwin, Bernstein, Copland, and Ives, as well as the music of Gustav Mahler.

Tilson Thomas became the Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony in 1995, a position he held with distinction until 2020, fostering innovation and educational initiatives. His discography with the orchestra showcases a deep affinity for 20th-century music, including the critically acclaimed Mahler symphony cycle. His recent releases continue to underscore his versatility and commitment to a broad spectrum of music, from the romantic nuances of Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll" to the modern complexities found in Berg's compositions and his own original works, evidenced by albums like "Tilson Thomas: From the Diary of Anne Frank & Meditations on Rilke." Tilson Thomas's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony, an American orchestral academy dedicated to developing the next generation of musicians.

Genres

Classical Performance

Orchestral Performance

Related Artists

Leonard Bernstein

Gustavo Dudamel

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Seiji Ozawa

Pierre Boulez

Marin Alsop

Hans Zimmer

John Williams

Howard Shore

James Horner

John Powell

Danny Elfman

Latest Release

Thomas: From the Diary of Anne Frank: Pt. 4 - "I want to go on living..."

San Francisco Symphony•

Michael Tilson Thomas

Single - Released August 9, 2024