San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie declared a special day in honor of Michael Tilson Thomas, with City Hall glowing in his signature blue, and giant blue balloons adorning Davies Symphony Hall, where Tilson Thomas had made a lasting impact as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony for 25 years. This celebration marked the culmination of his extraordinary career, especially considering his ongoing battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Despite beginning treatment in 2021, Tilson Thomas continued to conduct across the U.S. and even in Europe, until the tumor’s return prompted him to announce his final public performance in February. On April 26, surrounded by tributes, he conducted his last performance, an 80th birthday gala with the San Francisco Symphony.
The concert began with Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, a piece that reflected Tilson Thomas’ love for orchestral music and his lifelong devotion to education. His performance of Respighi’s Roman Festivals was a grand and emotional finale, showcasing his signature dramatic flair. The encore, featuring a song from Leonard Bernstein’s On the Town, was an apt tribute to his career, culminating in a cascade of balloons.
Throughout his six-decade career, Tilson Thomas connected various musical worlds, from classical icons like Stravinsky and Copland to avant-garde figures like John Cage and mavericks like Meredith Monk. His influence extended beyond performance; he was a mentor to young musicians, founding the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, which continues to shape American orchestral life. The concert was a reminder of his profound impact on music, especially in how he nurtured expression within orchestral performance.
As Tilson Thomas conducted, it became evident how much he valued every part of the orchestra, whether it was through Britten’s complex, solo-rich score or through his passionate interpretation of a piece close to his family’s roots. Even his own compositions, which he began releasing more recently, showed a personal and reflective side of the conductor. The evening concluded with Chichester Psalms and his iconic performance of Roman Festivals, leaving the audience with a powerful reminder of his legacy.
Tilson Thomas’ departure marks the end of an era for the San Francisco Symphony. His successor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, will face the challenge of continuing the mission Tilson Thomas set in motion, maintaining the orchestra’s innovative and integral role in San Francisco life.
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