Michael Tilson Thomas News

Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) will release a new live recording of the first-ever concert performances of Leonard Bernstein's complete score for the musical West Side Story featuring a stellar Broadway cast including Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, today, June 10, 2014.

Producer Jo Schuman Silver announced today that Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon will commemorate its 40th anniversary with a special public celebration to take place at San Francisco's City Hall today, June 6, 2014 at 12 p.m. City and civic leaders will join the cast of Beach Blanket Babylon as The City of San Francisco salutes the world's longest-running musical revue in an event open to the public. This 'only in San Francisco' event will feature Mayor Ed Lee, Chief of Protocol Charlotte Shultz, former Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr., Ann Getty, Dede Wilsey, San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Other dignitaries will be announced at a later date.

27 American orchestras will be recognized with 2013-14 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming at the League of American Orchestras' National Conference, taking place June 4-6 in Seattle. ASCAP and the League present the awards each year to orchestras of all sizes for programs that challenge the audience, build the repertoire, and increase interest in music of our time. Approximately $750,000 has been bestowed on orchestras since the awards were established in 1947.

Get shaken and stirred as star of Broadway, GLEE and 30 Rock takes you back to an era when bossa nova was new, the lounges of Vegas were cool, and dance music spun on every hi-fi. Slip on your hip attire and join us for a swingin' evening of cool tunes from the 50s and 60s.

Beginning today, May 20, West Side Story will be available for an exclusive early download from iTunes.com/SFSymphony where it is now available for pre-order.

The Collegiate Chorale announces the New York premiere of battle hymns tonight, May 15, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street in New York, NY.

Called 'legendary' and a 'San Francisco institution,' Feinstein's at the Nikko welcomes jazz and blues vocalist, Kim Nalley, for one performance only - tonight, May 10 (7 p.m.).

Piano Songs, a newly released ECM CD containing some of Meredith Monk's most beloved compositions for the instrument, features new music pianists Ursula Oppens and Bruce Brubaker. Marking one of the rare times others have recorded the celebrated composer's work, Piano Songs underscores the music's vibrant and independent life.

Composer, venture capitalist and philanthropist Gordon Getty will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in commencement ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. on May 23, 2014. For more than 30 years, Getty has pursued a career in classical composition while leading business ventures and giving millions of dollars in support of the arts and sciences through the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation. His song cycles, operas, chamber music and works for chorus and orchestra have been performed in major venues around the world by ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, London's Philharmonia Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra and many others. Getty, himself a former Conservatory student, will deliver the commencement address to the class of 2014, offering insights gleaned from a life spent practicing and fostering the musical arts.

Piano Songs, a newly released ECM CD containing some of Meredith Monk's most beloved compositions for the instrument, features new music pianists Ursula Oppens and Bruce Brubaker. Marking one of the rare times others have recorded the celebrated composer's work, Piano Songs underscores the music's vibrant and independent life.

One-hour long Rush Hour concerts are a great way to experience live music in an informal and relaxed smaller setting. Rush Hour concerts are perfect for those new to the orchestra experience, as well as for the most die-hard listeners.

In Part 2 of my interview with Jessica Vosk, we learn about her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated 'Bridges of Madison County.'

The Collegiate Chorale announces the New York premiere of battle hymns on May 15, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street in New York, NY.

Immensely gifted musically and dramatically, Jessica Vosk recently has experienced a wealth of shining moments on the stage.

Opera Colorado announced today that it will present Giacomo Puccini's Madama Butterfly(November 2014), W.A. Mozart's The Magic Flute (May 2015), Giuseppe Verdi's Aida (November 2015), and the world premiere of Lori Laitman's The Scarlet Letter (May 2016) starring Elizabeth Futral as Hester Prynne. A vital presence in Denver's cultural ecology, Opera Colorado is the Rocky Mountain region's preeminent grand opera company. The Opera's programming includes mainstage productions, artist development initiatives, and education and community engagement programming.

Nathan Gunn has made a reputation as one of the most exciting and in-demand baritones of the day. He has appeared in internationally renowned opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Paris Opera, and Teatro Real in Madrid.