Esa-Pekka Salonen to leave San Francisco Symphony, citing dispute with orchestra’s board

“I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the board of governors does,” Salonen said in a statement.

Tilson Thomas & Denk

Michael Tilson Thomas leads the CSO in Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto with soloist Jeremy Denk.

Michael Tilson Thomas (06/11/1985)

The composer, conductor, and musical explorer Michael Tilson Thomas (1944 – ) was Studs Terkel’s guest on WFMT in 1985. Their varied conversation includes the young maestro’s interest in American composers Gershwin, Ives, and Ruggles, all of whom he knew personally.

Wang Plays Liszt

Superstar pianist Yuja Wang performs Franz Liszt’s First Piano Concerto under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas.

Demarre McGill

Chicago-born flutist Demarre McGill joins music director Esa-Pekka Salonen and the SF Symphony to perform Notturno by the orchestra’s former music director, Michael Tilson Thomas.

CSO 2023-24 Season Announced: Myriad Guest Conductors as Muti Era Closes

The season will be the first following the departure of Riccardo Muti as music director. But the maestro will be close at hand as he continues his association with the CSO.

Tár music supervisor Lucy Bright: ‘It’s rare to have classical music on screen in that way’

A conversation with Lucy Bright about the ethical considerations of music supervision, Tár’s most surprising musical Easter eggs, and more.

Grammys 2022: See All the Classical+ Nominees (And Winners)

The 64th Grammy Awards will occur on Sunday, April 3 in Las Vegas. Here are the categories, nominees, and eventually, winners, for the classical, jazz, and world music fields.

Tilson Thomas resigns from New World Symphony, lessens work

The 77-year-old had surgery last August for the tumor. He has conducted 20 concerts since then with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony.

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has surgery for brain tumor

The 76-year-old conductor had surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and that the operation was successful.

Prokofiev, Hahn, Lang Lang Headline CSO’s 2021-22 Return To Stage

The CSO announces an array of concerts from September to January.

Playlist: 88 Piano Pieces for Piano Month

September is National Piano Month, so WFMT is sharing a supersized playlist – with one selection corresponding to each key on the keyboard.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces 2020-2021 Season

The CSO’s 130th season begins on September 17 with a free concert for Chicago at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

Sally Field, ‘Sesame Street’ to receive Kennedy Center award

San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas is among the awardees. Asked why he felt he was chosen for the award, Tilson Thomas laughed and said, “I guess I’ve just been around a long time!”…

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has heart operation

Tilson Thomas is recovering following a successful operation at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Classical Music Grammy Award Winners: 2019

On February 10, some of the biggest names in the music industry convened at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. R&B and soul singer Alicia Keys hosted the ceremony, as winners were announced in 30 fields and 84 categories. Here are the nominees and winners for the classical music categories.

Salonen to become San Francisco Symphony music director

Salonen will take the baton from longtime music director Michael Tilson Thomas with the 2020-21 season.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Announces 2018/19 Season, Muti Extends Contract Through 2022

Today, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association announced programming for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center Presents 2018/19 season.

Pianist Mary Sauer Retires from Chicago Symphony Orchestra After 57 Years of Service

Sauer began her long tenure with the CSO in 1959 when Music Director Fritz Reiner invited her to perform with the orchestra. During the 1967-68 season, Music Director Jean Martinon officially added her to the roster. She was named principal piano at the start of the 2000-01 season.