Michael Tilson Thomas, an American conductor, pianist, and composer, died on April 22, 2026, at age 81.
Born in Los Angeles on December 21, 1944, he studied piano with John Crown and composition and conducting under Ingolf Dahl at the University of Southern California, where he graduated from the USC Thornton School of Music in 1967 and earned a master’s degree in 1976. He was Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra.
He gave his final performance with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025.
Michael Tilson Thomas, 81, American conductor, pianist, and composer.