Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas announces recurrence of brain tumor

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has announced that his brain tumor has returned. At 80 years old, he is planning to lead what he describes as his final performance in April.

In August 2021, Thomas revealed that he underwent surgery to remove a glioblastoma. After surgery, he returned to conducting, albeit on a limited schedule. In March of the following year, he stepped down as the artistic director of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, after an impressive 34 seasons. He also conducted the New York Philharmonic’s opening subscription concert in September.

In a statement on Monday, Thomas reflected on the past 3 ½ years since his initial diagnosis, noting that this time has been significant for him, filled with connections to friends, family, and music. However, he also recognized the challenges he faced, including a second surgery and complications from treatment that helped to control the tumor.

While discussing his current situation, Thomas mentioned that there are treatment options available for the returning tumor, although he acknowledged that the chances of successful outcomes remain uncertain.

Over his career, Thomas served as music director for the Buffalo Philharmonic from 1971 to 1979, later becoming the music director for the San Francisco Symphony from 1995 to 2020. Looking ahead, he is scheduled to conduct the New World Symphony on March 29 and 30, followed by performances on April 5 and 6. He will also conduct the San Francisco Symphony on April 26, coinciding with a belated celebration of his 80th birthday.

As he prepares for these final performances, Thomas remarked, “At that point we all get to say the old show business expression, ‘It’s a wrap.’” He described a coda, the concluding section of a musical piece, as a fitting metaphor for his life, explaining that it can vary in length but is characterized by richness and generosity.