On the occasion of MTT’s 81st birthday, tenor Ben Jones and pianist John Wilson have recorded and released two songs written by Michael Tilson Thomas. In addition to his major compositions, MTT wrote the music and lyrics for dozens of songs over the course of his lifetime. Most songs were written during an especially creative period in his life in the 1970s and 1980s.
MTT Profiled on CBS Sunday Morning
MTT spoke with 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl about his life in music for this CBS Sunday Morning feature that was produced by Amol Mhatre. MTT discusses his grandparents, Bessie and Boris Thomashefsky; his introduction to conducting in middle school; the significance of Mahler to him personally; his admiration for James Brown, the New World Symphony, and more before playing a little bit from his song "Grace," on the piano.
MTT Celebrated by San Francisco Symphony at Final Performance
On Saturday, April 26, the San Francisco Symphony threw an MTT 80th Birthday Celebration filled with music, special guests, and lots of blue. The celebratory event was the culmination of a 51-year relationship between the San Francisco Symphony and MTT, who made his debut with the orchestra in 1974 and served as its Music Director from 1995 to 2020. Here are some highlights!
MTT Receives Honorary Doctorate from New England Conservatory
MTT was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the New England Conservatory (NEC) at its 154th commencement ceremony on May 18, 2025. Other awardees included president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Chad Smith, City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, film score composer Conrad Pope, and life trustee Wendy Shattuck. “Each of these honorees stands as a powerful example of how music can be transformative and open doors to endless possibilities,” said NEC President Andrea Kalyn. “We look forward to celebrating their impact on the performing arts and in our communities, and to…
Praise for the Boston Symphony’s “Whitman Songs”
Conductor Teddy Abrams led the Boston Symphony Orchestra and bass-baritone Dashon Burton in four performances of MTT’s composition “Whitman Songs” at Boston’s Symphony Hall March 13–16.