Michael Tilson Thomas Remembered

Conducting maverick died at 81

I interviewed Michael Tilson Thomas on 14 February 2006, when he was rehearsing the student orchestra of the Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

That rare glimpse of him working with young students is something I will always cherish.

I only hope more conductors will follow his example, leaving a lasting mark on China’s musical life not merely through guest appearances that satisfy the financial demands of agencies and promoters, but by helping to cultivate a genuine appreciation of classical music among the younger generation, as Leonard Bernstein once did.

R.I.P.