American conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has died. His official website and management announced on Thursday that the artist died in San Francisco on Wednesday after a long illness. Tilson Thomas, who was also active as a pianist, composer, and teacher, had been suffering for several years from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor. He was 81 years old.

Michael Tilson Thomas (1944-2026)

From 1988 to 1995, Tilson Thomas was principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, with which he subsequently remained associated as principal guest conductor. He then served for 25 years as principal conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Following his retirement in 2020, he was appointed Music Director Laureate of the orchestra. He conducted his final concert with the ensemble in April 2025.

Tilson Thomas regularly conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1987, he founded the New World Symphony, an American orchestral academy that prepares young musicians for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles worldwide. He remained its music director until 2022.

In addition to twelve Grammys, Tilson Thomas has received awards such as the Peabody Award, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honor in 2019.

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