San Francisco Symphony in the news after longtime conductor Michael Tilson Thomas died at 81; longtime L.A.-born maestro shaped modern SFS.
Michael Tilson Thomas, a renowned American conductor and composer, has died at age 81. He has led major orchestras worldwide, won 12 Grammys, and has been celebrated for his contributions to classical music. He faced health challenges due to a brain tumor but continued his career until his final performance in April 2025. He is survived by his family.