AMC 2000 Letters of Distinction: Michael Tilson Thomas

Michael Tilson Thomas has been Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony since 1995, where he has done extensive audience development and has championed innovative programming. In June 2000, he will lead a festival devoted to American Mavericks. Noted for his commitment to music education, Tilson Thomas led the television broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts from 1971 to 1977. In 1988, he founded the New World Symphony, a national training orchestra for the most gifted graduates of America's conservatories, and continues to serve as its Artistic Director. Tilson Thomas also devotes considerable time to composing. His 1990 composition, From the Diary of Anne Frank for narrator and orchestra, has been performed around the world. He has also written works for baritone Thomas Hampson, soprano Renee Fleming, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Empire Brass Quintet. He began his formal studies at USC, studying composition with Ingolf Dahl. In 1969, after winning Tanglewood's Koussevitzky Prize, Tilson Thomas was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Shortly afterward, he made his New York debut with BSO, gaining international recognition. He has served as Chief Conductor and Director of the Ojai Festival, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Principal Guest Conductor of the L.A. Philharmonic, and Principal Conductor of the London Symphony. Tilson Thomas' many honors include numerous Grammy Awards, Columbia University's Ditson Award for services to American Music, Musical America's 1995 Conductor of the Year Award, and National Public Radio's Performance Today Player of the Year Award in 1999.