Remembering Michael Tilson Thomas
Michael Tilson Thomas was a cherished artistic partner and a treasured presence in the world of classical music whose legacy echoes on in Cleveland and beyond.
The Cleveland Orchestra is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Tilson Thomas.
A conductor of remarkable insight and energy, Michael Tilson Thomas first led The Cleveland Orchestra in 1974, beginning an ongoing relationship with the ensemble. His final appearance in 2023, conducting Mahler— a composer whose works he championed with great depth and distinction — was a poignant culmination of his long-standing connection with our musicians and audiences.
In 1976, he won his first Grammy Award with The Cleveland Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus (listen below), a collaboration that marked just one of many significant musical milestones in his celebrated career.
The New World Symphony, conceived by Tilson Thomas, stands as an enduring symbol of his commitment to mentorship and the future of classical music. This legacy is celebrated both in The Cleveland Orchestra’s annual side-by-side concerts with current New World fellows in Miami and in the 10 current Orchestra members who are alumni of the program — evidence of the lasting influence of his vision on today’s orchestral landscape.
Michael Tilson Thomas was more than a guest conductor; he was a cherished artistic partner and a treasured presence in the world of classical music. His legacy here, and around the world, is one of fearless creativity, generous mentorship, and enduring musical brilliance.
The Cleveland Orchestra offers its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his life and legacy.
Listen to Michael Tilson Thomas’s Grammy-winning recording of Carmina Burana with The Cleveland Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus: