Michael Tilson Thomas was honored with the Museum of Performance + Design’s 2019 San Francisco Arts Medallion in May 2019, celebrating his outstanding leadership in the arts. Created in 2005, the Medallion recognizes individuals whose leadership, action, and generosity have benefitted the cultural life of the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Michael’s power and passion for music has been a tremendous gift to the city,” said MP+D Board President and Event Co-Chair Pattie Lawton. “We are honored and thrilled to present Michael with the 2019 San Francisco Arts Medallion. We are also grateful to welcome The Honorable Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi as our Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s event.”

“This museum is a repository — the heart, soul and record of San Francisco’s performing arts community,” said MTT in the San Francisco Chronicle. “It inspires an important understanding of what takes place onstage, what takes place in the hearts and intentions of the audience. And they take something away from those performances, imagining something even more wonderful.”

Photo by Art Streiber