Michael Tilson Thomas has aggressive brain cancer

[Brian]

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/02/1083942931/michael-tilson-thomas-discusses-cancer-and-his-scaled-back-new-world-symphony-ro

It's currently under control after a tumor was removed successfully, but this form recurs frequently and aggressively. MTT is 77.

He is mostly handing over duties with the New World Symphony but hopes to continue conducting concerts until he is no longer able.

[Spotted Horses]

Very distressing news.

[Karl Henning]

Horrible.

[Mirror Image]

A damn shame. I hope his recovery is successful with no hiccups. He always seemed like a genuine person and, in addition to my enjoyment of his conducting, those Keeping Score documentaries are worth their weight in gold for the interpretative insights he is able to effortlessly divulge to the viewer.

[Spotted Horses]

I once shared an airport shuttle with a member of the second violin section of the SF symphony. We chatted a little and I recall she spoke warmly of him. I saw him in concert a few times in San Francisco. He seemed to take unalloyed joy in music making.

[Mirror Image]

I once shared an airport shuttle with a member of the second violin section of the SF symphony. We chatted a little and I recall she spoke warmly of him. I saw him in concert a few times in San Francisco. He seemed to take unalloyed joy in music making.

And let's hope that joy continues!

[Brian]

I've known a couple students who got opportunities to spend summers with the New World Symphony and they universally love MTT as a teacher and mentor and leader.

[André]

I saw him conduct the LSO in an all-Sibelius program. It struck me then that I had never associated him with that composer - or Shostakovich or Bartok, for that matter. It turns out he's more selective than I had thought at first. What he does is always well thought of and intelligently conceived, and always with an ear to communicate with his paying/listening public .

And yes, the 'Keeping Scores'  items are an excellent series.

[Mirror Image]

From MTT's website:

Dear Friends,

My return to performing these last months has been very special. The 20 concerts with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony were heartwarming. Making music with these great artists and for so many friends in the audience felt like coming home, like coming back to life. I couldn't have been happier.

It takes strength to meet the demands of the music and to collaborate on the highest level with the remarkable musicians who so generously welcomed me. I now see that it is time for me to consider what level of work and responsibilities I can sustain in the future.

I have not publicly discussed my medical diagnosis. I have Glioblastoma Multiforme, a type of aggressive brain cancer. I had an operation to remove what was visible and had radiation and chemotherapy. Currently the cancer is in check. But the future is uncertain as Glioblastoma is a stealthy adversary. Its recurrence is, unfortunately, the rule rather than the exception.

I'm taking stock of my life and will be reducing my administrative responsibilities. I have decided that, after 34 years, I will be stepping down as the Artistic Director of the New World Symphony. This organization, which I co-founded with Lin and Ted Arison, has been and will continue to be a vital and ever-growing resource for musicians. I'm proud of what we have accomplished and very proud of our 1,200 alumni. I will soon assume the role of Artistic Director Laureate and will dedicate myself to working with the NWS Fellows and Alumni on adventurous projects that have long been close to my heart.

I look forward to my work the remainder of this season with orchestras in the United States and Europe and to the many musical collaborations planned for next season. I intend to stick around for a bit. Creating and collaborating to make great music is what it's all about for me. Every moment on stage with my colleagues is memorable. I want to thank all who have been supportive during this time, especially my husband Joshua Robison. He has always been by my side and is, as ever, my hero.

I will continue to compose, to write, and to mull over your thoughts and mine. I'm planning more time to wonder, wander, cook, and spend time with loved ones – two legged and four. Life is precious.

I send affection and gratitude.

Michael TT

[Florestan]

I hope his recovery is successful with no hiccups.

+ 1.

[Biffo]

I hope his recovery is successful with no hiccups.

+1

[vandermolen]

A very fine conductor!
I especially like his DGG recording of Charles Ives's 'Three Places in New England' - I don't know a better performance. Also, his very fine recording of Copland's 'Symphonic Ode' and much else besides.

All Strength to MTT

[vers la flamme]

Did not know the man was 77. He looks great for his age and considering his health. I'm a fan! One of the more talented conductors my country ever produced. Hoping he pulls through and has a smooth recovery.

[staxomega]

Wishing him the best, glioblastoma multiforme is unfortunately a very aggressive cancer. Whenever he speaks about music you can just feel his warmth and love for the music.

[Crudblud]

This is what my mother lived with last year. I'm glad that in MTT's case they were able to operate and give him more time with all his faculties intact. I hope that such a high-profile case as this will help spread awareness of this horrific disease.

[relm1]

It's very sad news as I'm a big fan of his.  His SF Symphony performance of Prokofiev's No. 3 was the best I've ever heard and blew me away plus I can't ever forget being in the audience of the September 12, 2001 Grammy winning performance of Mahler's Tragic symphony.  I adore his LSO recordings as well.  Wish you all health and prosperity, Maestro!

[Mirror Image]

It's very sad news as I'm a big fan of his.  His SF Symphony performance of Prokofiev's No. 3 was the best I've ever heard and blew me away plus I can't ever forget being in the audience of the September 12, 2001 Grammy winning performance of Mahler's Tragic symphony.  I adore his LSO recordings as well.  Wish you all health and prosperity, Maestro!

I must revisit this recording! I like his Mahler a lot.

[Leo K.]

Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.

[Mirror Image]

Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.

It is terrible news, indeed. I've always loved his conducting and he seems to be genuinely affable person. I certainly agree that his Mahler and Copland. I think in his honor, I'll play Adams' Harmonielehre, which is an absolutely smoker of a performance.

[staxomega]

Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.

MTT is the one that made me finally understand Ives' fourth symphony, though I'm not much of an Ives fan.