Michael Tilson Thomas cancels concerts
NewsThe conductor, who is being treated for brain cancer, has cancelled guest concerts in Washington and Toronto from November 16 to 25. He is to be replaced by Ken-David Masur and David Robertson.
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Iām guessing the late November, early December Chicago Symphony concerts will go before long as well. š
MTT is wonderful and it is time for him to bask in an amazing life, reflect on major accomplishments and bring forth new talent as we support him all the way…
I sat in Davies Symphony Hall as he explained the brilliance of Gustav Mahuler and ‘warned’ us to be quiet for for the live recording…
We love you MTT
Yes, I second that. Thoughts are with the maestro right now.
But why do sentient sorta-people want him to do it? The mind boggles.
I treasure a memory of MTT conducting a Mahler symphony at the BBC Proms some years ago – as is well-known, the enthusiastic applause of the prommers sometimes makes it difficult for orchestras to leave the platform – Solti once returned to the platform after a seemingly never-ending ovation, held up his hands and said ‘you have been a wonderful audience, but now you must – GO HOME!’
Michael returned to the platform as if for an encore and started the opening of the symphony again – after a few bars, he stopped, turned round to the audience and said, to much laughter and more applause, ‘just kidding folks!’, a lovely way of dealing with a ‘nice’ problem!
I wish him well and all the health and recovery that may be possible for him.
I think I was present at this Prom, too! MTT is a wonderful musician and educator, and Im sure we all send him our best wishes (‘though these cancellations do not bode well for the next few weeks).
What a treasure he is. I hope there is a miracle coming to him. I will never forget the most joyful and satisfying sonic experience I ever had in my years of seeking such. The Resurrection by Mahler with the CSO and Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson- which was her last public performance. The first movement was a thrilling ride of poly rhythm and intensity. When Ms Lorraine entered with the Urlicht– you felt the audience hold its breath and you could hear a pin drop thru her clarion silver summary. The last movement wasn’t just a roof raiser– you felt the entire building being lifted off its foundation. I’ll never forget it and it still sends a chill thinking about it. Be well MTT.
I had some memorable experiences playing as an extra musician with the SFS and MTT.
But there’s a side to him the Public didn’t see,
from going off on Hillary Hahn at a rehearsal, to a Principal in the Brass Section who had a Bumper Sticker made for him:
” You can’t spell Mistreatment without MTT.”
I suppose most conductors aren’t universally loved!
MTT did connect with the Public, and is responsible for the Popularity and Financial Health of the SFS.
I watched him lead the San Francisco Symphony on October 22nd. At the end of Beethoven’s Ninth both the audience AND the musicians gave him an enthusiastic foot-stomping ovation.
The Mistreatment sticker says more about the poor, fragile snowflake that it does about MTT.
A gratuitous comment from you. Let’s hope when your end comes that people don’t find faults and express these publicly. Boorish.
I only had good experiences with him conducting.
But he had a nasty side.
No reason to pretend he didn’t.
For five years I had the fortune to live in Mill Valley and enjoying repeated concerts with MTT at the podium. Esp wonderful was sitting in that sort of balcony area in Davies Symphony Hall that allows us to face the conductorās podium. Such a treat to see MTT face on conducting the SFO.
MTT is dying. I wish him best in his next journey that we all will embark on sooner or later.
Best wish to this wonderful human being.
Washington D.C.?
A great musician who knew how to program works and conduct. He will be missed
I watched a New World Symphony rehearsal in Miami Beach at the old Lincoln Theater. It was such a treat and breath of fresh air to watch him work the rehearsal.
It is sad that a man of his talent has to suffer with brain cancer. Our musical director in Cleveland is also dealing with cancer, but not brain cancer.
I’m still reeling over Dmitri H.
Sorry to hear that the maestro has cancelled concerts because of his ongoing illness. Keep fighting for your health!
As a NSO subscriber and great MTT admirer I am greatly saddened that he won’t be appearing with the NSO – where he was going to conduct the Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet. And that his condition is evidently worsening. He conducted two great programs with the NSO – including Mahler 2 – about 18 months ago.
As he has made his way around many orchestras in the past few years, I was so happy to see him make his debut with the Czech Philharmonic, where he conducted Appalachian Spring and Schubert Great C Major. The video is available on Symphony.Live and it’s extraordinary. The orchestra seemed so happy to be working with him – having pursued him for years.
Michael, I Will Always Care With Me The “Sixth Symphony”- (Pathetic) By Tchaikovsky, Conduct By You,Like One Of My Favorite! We Love Your Art Michael, So, Be Strong And Be Blessed!
How heart breaking. He is such a great conductor.
MTT has a street named after him
https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/mtt-way-sf-symphony-18547949.php