One of my central maxims is how a major part of what a conductor tries to do is get a large group of people to agree on where "now" actually is.
Michael Tilson ThomasI think music needs to be presented in a way so that kids can grasp songs, dances, simple music that's associated with some particular defining moment in human experience.
Michael Tilson ThomasThis extraordinary group has absolutely captivated my imagination, knocked my socks off - what more can I say?
Michael Tilson ThomasYou can't have Bach, Mozart and Beethoven as your favorite composers. They simply define what music is!
Michael Tilson ThomasI have a strange situation as far as my name is concerned, because of course, what should my name really be? Is it my traditional Jewish name? Or this curious name my parents put together, partially to honor departed family members, and partially to keep me away from the absolute craziness of my grandparents' fame and the intrusiveness of their fans? So many people call me "MTT," and some do say, "Oh Maestro," and some are comfortable calling me Michael.
Michael Tilson Thomas