Michael Tilson Thomas
Photo: SFS
Michael Tilson Thomas, 74, Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, has withdrawn from all of his scheduled engagements from June 17 to Sept. 3, 2019, in order to undergo heart surgery, the SFS announced.
The operation will take place in Cleveland, shortly after Tilson Thomas’ performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9, June 13-16 in Davies Symphony Hall.
“I deeply regret missing concerts and projects that I have been greatly anticipating,” said Tilson Thomas. “On the advice of my doctors, I need to undergo this procedure at this time in continuation of treatment for a heart condition I have managed for many years. I expect to make a full recovery in time to return to the San Francisco Symphony for the opening of my 25th season as music director.”
The 2019-20 season will be his last as music director; Esa-Pekka Salonen was named last year to succeed him as music director beginning in the 2020-21 season.
