Michael Tilson Thomas has died, at the age of 81. Thomas spent a quarter of a century as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, and has been one of the best-known classical music conductors in the nation. 

<p>Michael Tilson Thomas has died, at the age of 81.&nbsp;Thomas spent a quarter of a century as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, and has&nbsp;been one of the best-known classical music conductors in the nation.&nbsp;</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>