Michael Tilson Thomas announces retirement with brain cancer
NewsThe American conductor, 77, has just issued this statement:
Dear Friends,
My return to performing these last months has been very special. The 20 concerts with the New York Philharmonic, the LA Phil, 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
How terribly sad!
I interviewed him some 20+ years ago
https://basiaconfuoco.com/2019/07/12/michael-tilson-thomas-in-interpretation-there-is-no-absolute-truth/
Nice interview, Basic. I enjoyed it.
Great. Good luck to you. And while you’re at it, learn to be nice to the common listeners who come to meet you, and speak with you, at ‘meet and greet’ sessions. You’re hero Bernstein was tremendous at communicating to the common listener. You were not. You dismissed them as know-nothings. I know, as I was there – in charge of a couple of ‘meet and greet’ sessions.
I took a group of 17-year-old pupils to their first concert..at the LSO; MTT made a name-dropping speech about meeting Stravinsky and other geniuses. A young lad with the perception of innocence asked me “Why did that conductor have to patronise so much, sir?”
That said, I do hope he can enjoy life for some more years and is free of pain; he has nearly another 20 years to reach Blomstedt etc
We all have our flaws; I’ll bet you even have your tiny ones.
Show me on the doll where MTT hurt you so badly that you thought this was the right time to bring it up……..
Are we to presume that your own life is so free of errors and failings that you feel able to make this comment? Deplorable comment in this situation – all of it!
Obviously, I wasn’t there, but I would be interested in hearing about a person’s meeting with Stravinsky, and at least Tilson Thomas wasn’t talking about himself.
In any event, since he may be—although we hope not—nearing the end of his life, your reservations about his character, based on observations of some years ago, have less relevance than ever.
What a sad, inelegant, ungenerous, primitive, emotionally illiterate human being you are.
Good luck to you to hope to become a complete human being before you are no more.
Well stated and necessary. There are a lot of pathetic people around and they should be called out for their callousness.
As for the Maestro, his letter is a study in grace. Inspirational.
This is one of the worst comments I’ve heard from one human being to another. Don’t hide anonymously. If you are going to be a jerk, at least have the courage to use your name.
I’m not interested in my ego in pointing out these two unfortunate incidents. In a world where there’s a major war on all of our hands, I couldn’t care what you have to say of me. But I did care for my staff members who bent over backwards to try to please ‘the maestro’, as well as our customers who came across the city to meet him. They, I did care about. They were treated poorly. So much so, that I sat down with KDFC Radio and representatives of the S.F. Symphony and told them, ‘this isn’t working’. They fully understood. In fact, they appeared slightly embarrassed over it. I wish I had had the guts to have said more at the time. But like most everyone who works, I had a line to tow. I wish him no harm, but it’s difficult for me to feel a whole lot of sympathy.
I’m not a native speaker and do not understand “line to tow” Bary.
“Toeing the line” means to accept the authority or policies of a particular group, especially under pressure. In other words, to do what is expected of you. It is often misspelled as “towing” the line.
He should have written « line to toe »
Believe me…..In a world where there´s a major war on all of our hands,most of us,and indeed all with educated manners, and social skills, don´t care of what you say here( and for the third or forth time on this page!!!You stated it on various posts on MTT before)….As for MTT and Bernstein:I have played for both as a youngster in youth orchestras. MTT was inspiring,motivating,charming,enthusiastic, supportive and super nice.Bernstein???Well,he could be,too.But at the point of his career i met him,he was moody and his behaviour changed from day to day.He showed up late,and often under influence ,rambling about 50 percent of the rehearsal time,and treating those he didn´t like indifferently and sometimes in a nasty way….And he had his favourites,some obviously and unashamedly for extramusical reasons…MTT never treated us this way.
Barry, you sound like a delight to be around. I certainly hope to never have the opportunity. STFU.
Really, Barry? Doubling down?
Get a grip….
Reality Check: Barry Guerrero was the manager of the classical section of the Virgin Megastore (record store) in San Francisco. He showed them who was boss when he said “This isn’t working.” He then proceeded to turn off the alarm on his dusty bedside flip clock, looking forward to another day of selling MTT CDs.
FYI: it was Tower Records, Hans. I worked there too.
I don’t understand the ferocity of your and Barry’s hatred of MTT…whatever his shortcomings(and we all have them) he has been a good conductor and a great storyteller of the greatness of music …and he is suffering from aggressive brain cancer…what has he done to you to generate such bile?
Even if every word you write is true and then some: your timing is still awful.
Here’s a piece of free advice: when someone reveals that he has a life threatening disease, you don’t pile on by commenting on his many flaws. It is bad manners. Or just take your own advice and “be nice”.
Well said. It’s a fatal and awful brain cancer. Life ending, not threatening.
How mean and immature to bother a terminally ill man with a ridiculous, entirely unimportant, trivial personal matter from decades ago… What’s wrong with people? I wish you will never be in the same situation as MTT. My sister died from exactly the same illness at 43…5 years of ups and downs, and no happy end…
Very bad timing, Barry.
Imagine being like ‘Barry’ and airing a your odd little grudge from about 25 years ago, about a conductor who has just announced his brain cancer induced retirement.
Barry isn’t a has-been. He’s a never-been.
Is that comment really appropriate at this moment? Shame on you.
The man has a terminal diagnosis and this is what you write?
Cowardly and disgusting.
MTT: “I have brain cancer.”
You: “Pound sand.”
Your lack of charity, regardless of whether your criticisms of MTT are valid or not, to put it lightly, is pathetic and appalling.
I have some online acquaintance with Barry Guerrero as both a fellow tubist and a fellow employee from the hey day of the storied Tower Records. I also had occasion to work with MTT on the premiere of Steve Reich’s Desert Music and the subsequent Nonesuch recording. I have to admit that I always had mixed feelings about MTT. It seemed that he received too much too soon from the profession, and I had a few uncomfortable moments with him in preparing Desert Music. It all worked out. But overall, he’s brilliant, gifted, has enjoyed a highly successful career, and has been a great mentor to younger musicians. Right now he’s confronting his own mortality. He’s putting on a brave face, dropping the admin and concentrating on the creative musical aspects of the projects he has taken on. But I’m sure he knows more than he’s revealing in his public statements how precarious his situation is, or how limited his time may be. This is no time for anyone to kick him around for whatever lack of consideration he may have shown to fans from time to time in the past. Hey Barry. Don’t be a “mean girl.” It’s time for all of us to wish Michael the best as he deals with whatever’s headed his way. Hey Michael. Feel better!
What a wonderful farewell message. Wishing him all the very best. A real mensch…
He’s not retiring but rather hoping he can fulfill his appearances this season and next and then assess what he can do going forward. As he indicated the long-term prognosis isn’t promising and as such he can’t possibly schedule anything beyond next season. If able I doubt he would lack for guest appearances after 2022-2023. Not my favorite conductor but how can’t you wish him well.
booster
So glad you added your views on his artistry. Classy.
Dear Michael,
I thank you for all the fond memories I have stored up over the years from working with you and for you. As a guest conductor you were always gracious and supportive. Please take care of yourself. I’ll be praying for you.
Kelly
A job well done and a retirement and rest well earned. Best of luck with that hideous cancer!! Enjoy life every day!!
Thank you for your wonderful contribution to our qualities of life!!
Wishing MTT many, many years of happiness, love, music, miracles, and beauty… It’s exactly 50 years ago I saw him first time live… He looked like a college student back then..Time did pass so fast. The heroes of my youth are either disappearing or becoming wrinkled old majesties…. Getting old is nothing for the faint hearted, i can tell you…
MTT is an immensely talented musician of the highest order. It is well known that he was not the most amenable and gracious person in his younger days. Arrogant was the operational term but that was long ago and one should be more generous now. And while he is not my among my absolute favorite conductors, he is certainly a very fine conductor often with a lot to say. I greatly look forward to his upcoming Mahler 2 with the NSO in DC at the end of March. His performance of Eroica on tour with the SFO in 2019 was superb. One can only wish him the best for his remaining life and the music world will be poorer for his departure.
Wish MTT the best, brain tumor are vicious enemies. I have still fresh in my mind a woderful performance of Mahler 1st he did in LA conducting the young Colburn orchestra four years ago. Long and happy life, Maestro!
Awful news. Make the most of every second and make the most of what you have.
Very sad news. That type of cancer has less than a 2 year life expectancy. Godspeed.
Boy, this is sure sad news. Brain cancer is a tough one. I still have my old LP of MTTs debut doing Carmina Burana – it was exciting as could be – and he was so young! Since then, he’s made so many great contributions to classical music not the least of which was staying in SF and tending to his home orchestra. Many times I got to hear him in SF at Stern Grove – he packed the place and surrounding hills with listeners. I wish him the best and pray for a positive outcome.
Very sad news. We’re losing a titan much too soon.
But I’m glad he’s putting his health and wellbeing ahead of his career, not trying to keep up a busy schedule.
I wish him the best.
In 1970 when I was stationed in Newport, R.I., I had the opportunity to see MTT sub for Steinberg with the BSO. First time I had ever heard Three places in New England. Great concert and terrific experience.
Heartbreaking. What a fantastic person. I was so lucky to be in the audience for his first concert after the announcement of his appointment at SFSO as music director. “Scheherazade” and “Rite of Spring” – electric! He really brought a fine orchestra into greatness. Wishing him the best of health and hope he kicks cancer’s ass.
I’ve been greatly enriched by the generous display of his multiple gifts over the decades, especially the role of teacher. I treasure those PBS specials, recordings, and his analysis of what goes on in a musical score such as the Rite of Spring, Symphonie Fantastique, and the Shostakovich 5th Symphony in Keeping Score. Like Bernstein, he demystified music to this musically untalented guest commentator. May his retirement bring him joy and when the inevitable comes, as it must for all, may it be a painless and soft landing.
Sending love to MTT. Some of the best Mahler performances I’ve heard with the San Francisco Symphony. Enjoy and best wishes, this is a devastating cancer.
Great respect for this great artist on record and on concert. I remember a Debussy LP album I hear frequently he did with the Boston Orchestra, marvelous. With a Doinier Rousseau painting on the cover. One of the best records of DG.
A great man and a superb musician. I wish you all the best, MTT.
Some of the comments here are truly shocking. The man has brain cancer and is probably going to die a horrible death soon. And all you can do is call him out for being “not nice” and “patronising”. Really? Is that the level of empathy you choose to display? Would you say that to his face when he’s lying in an ICU or a palliative care facility being pumped full of C₁₇H₁₉NO₃? Well, if I knew him, I would take his hand. Shame on you for adding to the hate already present in this troubled world.
Bravo!!!!My sister died of exactly the same form of brain cancer at age 43….5 years of ups and downs,hopes ,victories,defeats …and finally ,a month of agony which still haunts me in so many nights,years later….Many people care too much about their egos and not about other people´s suffering.
Astonishing that one as brilliantly accomplished as MTT would need any defenders, but happy to see he has them. Few would deny that he has been a very central figure in orchestral music for many decades. How many conductors are so loved by their orchestras that they are invited to stay for 26+ years? How many have focused so well on performing new and overlooked music that deserved attention? How many took a fine orchestra and turned it into a really great one? How many have gone to such effort over decades to educate the public and young musicians about classical music? How many have represented American music to Europe and the world as well? Awfully few. On a planet of over seven billion, maybe a handful? Just his SF Mahler cycle alone is a wonder. We should give him our fullest sympathy and gratitude. May you carry on, Michael!
MTT makes it clear that he is NOT retiring but cutting back and taking stock. I interviewed him some years ago and he was charming and interesting; and I spoke again with him following an inspired LSO Mahler 9 when he was very friendly.
Bon courage maestro MTT! I remember marvellous performances of Ives, Debussy, Stravinsky…..early in his career, and many fine moments later… An admirer in France asked me if i cd get his auotograf when i went to London (LSO Borbican).. he immediately asked, “what is her name?” and scribbled a message- très sympathique. A Personality of our times in orchestral music, thanks for many memories.
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive type of cancer that begins within the brain.
Despite maximum treatment, the cancer almost always recurs.[3] The typical duration of survival following diagnosis is 12–15 months, with fewer than 3–7% of people surviving longer than five years.[10][11][5] Without treatment, survival is typically three months.[12] It is the most common cancer that begins within the brain and the second-most common brain tumor, after meningioma.[6][13] About 3 in 100,000 people develop the disease per year.[3] The average age at diagnosis is 64, and the disease occurs more commonly in males than females
My beloved brother died of this same cancer in 2016 on the same morning David Bowie’s passing was announced. I have nothing but compassion for Mr. Tilson-Thomas and gratitude for the hours of pleasure his music has brought to me. Bon Voyage
Thanks Wikipedia.
My brother died 5 years ago of a very aggressive form of glioblastoma – 6 weeks from diagnosis to death…so I am happy that MTT can get what he can from what remains of his life…
The lovely Barry is evidently using his real name. What a brave man!
https://www.facebook.com/barry.guerrero.393
Yes, Titurel – Barry is brave but heartless. And far from lovely.
Horrid disease that seems to take the best: Ted Kennedy, John McCain, Beau Biden.
My sister, the pianist, Anne Koscielny, died of the same disease in 2015. A month after an operation to remove part of her brain, she gave a private recital for 50 friends in her home. Her playing was impeccable.
Thomas should be able to still do much for some months to come, as he has extraordinary mental powers as a musician. This is an advantage for patients with this terminal disease, as they have such deep stores of memory connections in their brains, using, fully, their mental powers in ways ordinary people often do not. Music is the greatest connective tissue for human beings, and for their spirits.
God bless him in his journey!
Just one final comment…..How mean spirited and lacking in empathy and character must a person,who gives well wishers for a terminally ill man a thumbs down,be? No words…..
Oh, to be a person who can look longingly in a mirror and not see someone looking back at you who has no faults at all. God’s teeth, you lot make me reach for the sick bucket. MTT is an inspiring musician, conductor and educator and has contributed so much to bringing music to a wide audience through his work and, as a human being and fan of MTT, I’m saddened by this news and I agree with many comments to that end on here. As for the rest of you, you need to attain some humanity before it’s too late.
As someone who has had the privilege to have worked with him, I would treasure every moment.
I loved playing for him in the Cleveland orchestra.i have the highestcrespectvfor him and wish him good health and long life
I will never forget a Mahler we did
MTT, read this article https://www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29683790/
J.Clin Oncol 2018, 36: 1702-1709.
I wish he would write a memoir.