World Apr 23, 2026 · 1 min read

Michael Tilson Thomas, award-winning conductor and composer, dies aged 81

Renowned artist, who won 12 Grammys, died at home after being diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancerSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxMichael Tilson Thomas, a leading American conductor for a half-century who headed orchestras in Buffalo, Miami,...

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The Guardian
by Associated Press
Michael Tilson Thomas, award-winning conductor and composer, dies aged 81

Renowned artist, who won 12 Grammys, died at home after being diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer

Michael Tilson Thomas, a leading American conductor for a half-century who headed orchestras in Buffalo, Miami, London and San Francisco while also composing, died on Wednesday. He was 81.

Tilson Thomas had surgery for a brain tumor in 2021 and resumed his career, then said in February 2025 that the tumor had returned. He conducted his final concert with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025 and died at his home in San Francisco, spokesperson Connie Shuman said.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Associated Press.

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