Elim Chan named next Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony

Michael Tilson Thomas, the American conductor, composer and educator, has died at the age of 81.

The conductor stated that his Glioblastoma tumour has returned, commenting “the odds are uncertain”. His 80th birthday performance with the San Francisco Symphony in April will be his last.

The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

The 26th anniversary of the awards proved to be a triumphant year for Scottish and Japanese dance in particular.

The role of Generalmusikdirektor includes leading both the Bayerische Staatsoper and the Staatsorchester.

The Russian-Finnish conductor will take up his new Principal Conductor post in Helsinki from August 2026.