Michael Tilson Thomas
Videos, recordings and concerts with our Conductor Laureate
A protégé of Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas came to LSO as Principal Conductor in 1987. He subsequently became Principal Guest Conductor, and after more than 40 years with the LSO, became Conductor Laureate from the 2016/17 season.
During his time as Principal Conductor, Tilson Thomas brought with him brilliantly devised thematic concert series and his Discovery concert lectures. Now he conducts the Orchestra every season.
Tilson Thomas is also Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony, and previously held appointments with the Boston Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Videos
News & Stories
Michael Tilson Thomas: The 2024/25 Season
As our Conductor Laureate joins us to celebrate his 80th birthday in December 2024, friends and Members of the LSO look back over his decades-long relationship with the Orchestra.
Michael Tilson Thomas – the 2023/24 Season
Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas’ relationship with the LSO spans over five decades – and it is a partnership that grows more rewarding every time he returns. ‘The LSO has been part of my life since I was 24 years old,’ he says. ‘The spirit of the orchestra remains much the same today.’
Concerts
The Beginning of Summer – Mahler’s Third Symphony
Colossal. Optimistic. Moving.
Thursday 16 May 2024 • 7pm
Michael Tilson Thomas conducts Mahler’s magnificent vision of a world teeming with joyful life.
Mahler 2, 'Resurrection'
Michael Tilson Thomas at 80
Sunday 20 October 2024 • 7pm
Gustav Mahler’s glorious Second Symphony, conducted by the LSO's Conductor Laureate MTT as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
Mahler 2, 'Resurrection'
Michael Tilson Thomas at 80
Wednesday 23 October 2024 • 7pm
Gustav Mahler’s glorious Second Symphony, conducted by the LSO's Conductor Laureate MTT as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
Recordings
Reviews
‘Tilson Thomas made every note glow.’ ★★★★ The Guardian, May 2023
‘Like most of Mahler’s symphonies, the Fifth is a mash-up of different temperaments, sundry influences. MTT wove them together with an authority that seemed almost nonchalant – but of course it wasn’t. … The standing ovation that followed was unanimous, prolonged and utterly heartfelt.’ ★★★★★ Evening Standard, May 2022
