Update on MTT

Michael Tilson Thomas

Photo by Brandon Patoc (c), 2019

Courtesy of San Francisco Symphony

Well, damn. MTT, who was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor, is stepping down as the artistic director of the New World Symphony. He has released a moving letter with some details of his diagnosis and treatment:

Dear Friends,

My return to performing these last months has been very special. The 20 concerts with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony were heartwarming. Making music with these great artists and for so many friends in the audience felt like coming home, like coming back to life. I couldn’t have been happier.

It takes strength to meet the demands of the music and to collaborate on the highest level with the remarkable musicians who so generously welcomed me. I now see that it is time for me to consider what level of work and responsibilities I can sustain in the future.

I have not publicly discussed my medical diagnosis. I have Glioblastoma Multiforme, a type of aggressive brain cancer. I had an operation to remove what was visible and had radiation and chemotherapy. Currently the cancer is in check. But the future is uncertain as Glioblastoma is a stealthy adversary. Its recurrence is, unfortunately, the rule rather than the exception.

I’m taking stock of my life and will be reducing my administrative responsibilities. I have decided that, after 34 years, I will be stepping down as the Artistic Director of the New World Symphony. This organization, which I co-founded with Lin and Ted Arison, has been and will continue to be a vital and ever-growing resource for musicians. I’m proud of what we have accomplished and very proud of our 1,200 alumni. I will soon assume the role of Artistic Director Laureate and will dedicate myself to working with the NWS Fellows and Alumni on adventurous projects that have long been close to my heart.

I look forward to my work the remainder of this season with orchestras in the United States and Europe and to the many musical collaborations planned for next season. I intend to stick around for a bit. Creating and collaborating to make great music is what it’s all about for me. Every moment on stage with my colleagues is memorable. I want to thank all who have been supportive during this time, especially my husband Joshua Robison. He has always been by my side and is, as ever, my hero.

I will continue to compose, to write, and to mull over your thoughts and mine. I’m planning more time to wonder, wander, cook, and spend time with loved ones – two legged and four. Life is precious.

I send affection and gratitude.

Michael TT

Affection and profound gratitude back at you, Michael TT. Wishing you the best.

• Joshua Kosman, SF Chron
• Javier C. Hernandez, NY Times
• Emmalyse Brownstein, Miami New Times
• Neda Ulaby, NPR

More of the Same

Michael Tilson Thomas, outgoing music director of SFS, will be opening the 2018-19 Carnegie Hall season by curating a Perspective series there. He'll be conducting several orchestras: the National Youth Orchestra of the United States, San Francisco Symphony, the New World Symphony, and the VPO.

And it's hard to tell exactly what perspective or vision he's bringing to the series, because it is basically more of the same of what he does here. The composers are largely dead, entirely white, and mostly male.

Here are the dead composers: Gershwin, Sibelius, Ravel, Stravinsky, Ives, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Prokofiev, Berlioz, Schubert, aka, nothing unusual.

Here are the living composers: MTT, Ted Hearne, Julia Wolfe. And the three works by the living are performed by the New World Symphony and National Youth Orchestra. Shall we ask what that means about the VPO and SFS?