“Conductors are performers.” — Michael Tilson Thomas Quote

“Conductors are performers.”

“I can't do pieces I only admire technically. I have to feel some direct contact with them.”

“But some people will say you just did these programs. Well, yes, the programs are important and I'm proud of the programs, but mostly I'm proud of the way the San Francisco Symphony plays these programs.”

“I played with the best conductors of the world.”

“Conductors make too much fuss about conductors! Humility and hard work are virtues. We're nothing without our musicians.”

“I enjoyed harassing tram conductors.”