Happy birthday MTT, 80 today
OrchestrasThe prolific international conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, diagnosed with a brain tumour more than three years ago, has battled through and is still undertaking engagements.
In our Lebrecht Interview last summer, he flourished brilliant memories from his Los Angeles upbringing, his symbiotic friendship with Leonard Bernstein and his happy human relationships.
You can listen again here.
Sending my warm & best wishes to MTT. His courageous ongoing battle against such an insidious disease has been inspirational. His exquisite music-making remains aspirational. He continues to beat the odds – it has made those of us who are afforded an opportunity to experience his less-frequent live performances the lucky ones. I can’t wait for the LA Phil’s MTT celebration with Yuja next year!
When you follow classic music for 35 years, MTT has been around all the time…he’s not one of my favorites, but I respect him and his work and his knowledge about music, especially American music, I especially enjoy his Gershwin. He’s like a family member closer than some family members in the end….I wish him the best. His Beethoven set was very modern and bold at the time..
A great example of human endurance and courage. MTT will have been through A LOT.
People are willing to overlook a lot of interpersonal issues when it comes to MTT these days. With respect to his health and age, I’ll leave it there.
My 25 years old interview
https://basiaconfuoco.com/2019/07/12/michael-tilson-thomas-in-interpretation-there-is-no-absolute-truth/
That interview, Norman, you did with Michael Tilson Thomas was just amazing and so informative, along with the other ones in the summer. I recorded them and only got to hear them last week for the first time. Thanks and we’ll done as ever.