Michael Tilson Thomas

Michael Tilson Thomas (born 1944) is an American conductor, pianist, and composer, widely known as “MTT.” He became music director of the San Francisco Symphony in 1995 and led the orchestra until 2020, later holding the title of music director laureate. He also founded and directed the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, serving as its artistic director from 1987 to 2022. Tilson Thomas has been music director of the London Symphony Orchestra (1988–1995) and principal conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1971–1979). He is known for championing American music and for televised and educational projects that broaden classical music’s audience.