MTT at 80: The Maestro Who Shaped San Francisco’s Sound
A biography on the visionary conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, a Shakespeare comedy at A.C.T. will leave you in stiches, and Berkeley Rep announces their 2025/26 season.
By any measure, Michael Tilson Thomas is a giant in American classical music—a conductor of immense charisma, an interpreter with deep emotional intelligence, and a tireless advocate for music’s evolving role in public life. But if one chapter of his storied career stands as a definitive masterpiece, it’s his 25-year tenure with the San Francisco Symphony.
When Tilson Thomas (known affectionately to many as MTT) took the reins of the orchestra in 1995, he inherited a respected ensemble with a strong local following. What he built, over a quarter-century, was something far more ambitious: a cultural institution with international reach, a musical laboratory for American composers, and a beacon for adventurous programming. Under his leadership, the San Francisco Symphony didn’t just play the music—it expanded what an orchestra could be.
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On the Stage
This week, the Acting Company continues their performances of a Shakespearean comedy at A.C.T., a Brazilian dance group comes to Berkeley, SF Symphony celebrates an icon’s 80th birthday, and more.
The Comedy of Errors
Theatre | The Acting Company at A.C.T.
Now – May 3 | Tickets
Shakespeare’s quintessential comedy, this farcical tale of separated families and mistaken identities delights audiences young and old.
More Events
- Grupo Corpo | Cal Performances | Now – April 26
- It’s True, It’s True, It’s True | Marin Theatre | Now – May 4
- Here There Are Blueberries | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – May 11 | View the Program
- MTT 80th Birthday Concert | San Francisco Symphony | April 26 | View the Program
Next Line
A new season full of surprises at Berkeley Rep, an inaugural award ceremony is announced for high school theatre performers, and audition for your chance to stand next to professional opera singers and take in the show close up.
- Berkeley Rep’s 2025/26 season showcases its signature mix of bold premieres and fresh perspectives on classic works. Highlights include three world premieres—Mother of Exiles, How Shakespeare Saved My Life, and The Lunchbox—as well as West Coast debuts of The Hills of California and The Monsters. With All My Sons and The Reservoir rounding out the lineup. Subscriptions are now on sale.
- BroadwaySF’s new Sara Bareilles Awards will debut May 17–18, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre, spotlighting standout high school musical theatre performers from across Northern California. Part of the national Jimmy Awards program, the event includes industry-led workshops and a live performance where nominees compete for a scholarship and a chance to represent the region on Broadway.
- Ever wondered what it would be like to take the stage at the historic War Memorial Opera House? Well now is your chance—San Francisco Opera is holding an open casting call for Supernumeraries. Supernumeraries are people of all ages who share the stage with operatic artists. They appear as soldiers, townspeople, nuns, and many other important stage-filling roles. The open call takes place on April 30 and you can register today.
