They are representations of many shared hours of collaboration between us all. That's the real nature of the relationship the orchestra and I are trying to build.
Michael Tilson ThomasWhen I first was conducting as guest conductor in Europe 25 years ago, I would propose doing American pieces and grudgingly it would be accepted from time to time.
Michael Tilson ThomasThe whole path of American music has been so much about the recognition of stylistic diversity, and the recognition of the importance of music which was from one of the vernacular traditions.
Michael Tilson ThomasOne 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 Thomas