MTT: A Musical Legacy

0:00It's April 23rd. You're listening to California News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. Michael Tillson Thomas, the 12-time Grammy-winning conductor who shaped the San Francisco Symphony for 25 years, passed away at 81. Known as MTT, he died Wednesday at home with family and friends nearby after battling aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma since he first shared the news in 2021. He underwent brain surgery back then, but last year the tumor returned, leading him to step back from public life. His final show was a special concert marking his 80th birthday last April, capping a 52-year run with the symphony that included nearly 1,800 performances. Thomas debuted with the group in 1974 at just 29 years old, born in Los Angeles in 1944 and trained at the University of Southern California. He took the music director role in 1995, sparking major growth, including their own recording

1:01label, and he co-founded the New World Symphony in Miami. Beach, leaders from the symphony in San Francisco's mayor, hailed him as a visionary who wove music into the city's soul, boosting its global profile and making orchestras more accessible. His influence touched lives far beyond the stage, from innovative shows to community ties. The symphony's board chair called the city lucky to have him and now upcoming Beethoven's ninth performances on June 18th 20th and 21st will honor his legacy with a full tribute concert to follow soon. MTT's creative fire keeps echoing through every note.