When 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 way you survive in the performing arts is by having a sense of your audience, and doing things which entertain and satisfy the audience, but in a more important way, cause the audience to question many things.
Michael Tilson ThomasYou can't have Bach, Mozart and Beethoven as your favorite composers. They simply define what music is!
Michael Tilson ThomasThe big difference between human happiness and sadness? Thirty-seven freakin' vibrations.
Michael Tilson Thomas