Michael Tilson Thomas, 1944-2026

The New World Symphony’s Fellows, alumni, Trustees and staff mourn the loss of our Co-Founder and Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT), who died at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. The world will remember his brilliant mind, limitless imagination and his creative and collaborative spirit. Our NWS community will forever be transformed by the generosity with which he shared these qualities. 

At heart, MTT was a creative risk-taker, powerful communicator and independent thinker. His fearless explorations provided context that brought relevance, intimacy and urgency to our relationship with music. He has had a profound influence on all of us and on the art form we so dearly love. In laying the bedrock for New World Symphony alongside Ted and Lin Arison, MTT created a global corps of artist leaders through whom his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. 

New World Symphony President and CEO Howard Herring reflected, “MTT was a master of wrestling a dream into reality. He coached us all in the process. First the dream, then the hard work—of mastering a piece of music, of building a career, of establishing an institution. One of MTT’s most profound ideas was the New World Symphony, where the imagined future meets the hard work, every day. After 38 years, it is clear that MTT’s concept of an orchestral academy is here to stay. We celebrate his artistry and his persistence, personal qualities that have guided us to this moment and will fuel us going forward.”   

Board Chair Will Osborne shared, “Michael’s vision has inspired all New World Symphony Chairs, Trustees, and Donors, which has led to enthusiastic and broad-based support for this institution. Under MTT’s direction, NWS has led the field, creating an inventive approach to music education; commissioning new and often multi-disciplinary works; pioneering the use of visual imagery in an orchestral setting; and continually exploring the application of technology to enhance artistic expression. We will honor MTT by continuing to pursue this work. While our Fellows are here in Miami Beach, our alumni are everywhere. Our work continues.”   

New World Symphony Artistic Director Stéphane Denève says: “Music has lost a guiding light. It is with a heavy heart that I would like to express my deep affection and gratitude towards Michael Tilson Thomas. He dedicated his life to inspire others and changed the lives of many. I will forever treasure the cathartic effect his music-making had on me. For MTT, the most profound question was what happens after the performance—what people take away with them and what we, as artists, do to enrich the lives and souls of our audience. Michael’s ultimate gift is his inspiration of the generations to come. Together with the NWS Fellows, it is our mission now to continue the dream of its Co-Founder and guiding soul.”   

Michael Tilson Thomas at NWS's World Premiere Concert in 1988 and with Joshua Robison at the New World Center following his final NWS performance on March 29, 2025.  

As he is reunited with his beloved Joshua, our thoughts are with MTT’s many family members, friends and colleagues. It is with great honor and responsibility that we carry MTT’s pioneering and generous spirit forward together.