The classical music world lost a legend on April 22, 2026, when Michael Tilson Thomas passed away at his home in San Francisco. He was 81 years old.
The celebrated conductor, composer, and pianist had been battling glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive type of brain cancer, since his diagnosis in 2021. Despite the illness, Tilson Thomas continued to lead orchestras and create music until nearly the very end.
His death comes just two months after the passing of his husband, Joshua Robison, who died on February 22, 2026, at age 79. The two are now reunited after nearly five decades of partnership.
An announcement posted on Tilson Thomas’ Instagram account confirmed his passing.
“It is with deep sadness that we let you know of Michael Tilson Thomas’s passing on April 22, 2026. In 2021, Michael was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive type of brain cancer. Through his illness, he continued to make music.”
The statement also noted that Tilson Thomas “was preceded in death by his husband, Joshua Robison, and passed away at home surrounded by loved ones and family.”
Joshua Robison Was More Than Just a Partner
Joshua Robison was not simply the spouse of a famous conductor. He served as Tilson Thomas’ manager, adviser, and strategic partner for over 40 years. Friends and colleagues often described him as the behind-the-scenes architect who helped turn Tilson Thomas’ artistic ideas into real institutions and community programs.
Robison was born in Los Angeles in May 1946 and grew up in a family connected to the arts. His father was a TV writer and musicologist, while his mother worked as an actress and teacher. As a young man, Robison excelled in gymnastics and attended the University of California, Berkeley, on a scholarship. In 1967, he won the NCAA national championship on the rings.
After college, he moved to New York, where he worked in public school advocacy and taught at the Bank Street College of Education.
Priscilla Geeslin, chair of the San Francisco Symphony’s Board of Governors, spoke about the couple’s unique bond.
“Their partnership was extraordinary: Michael’s expansive artistic vision paired with Joshua’s insight, advocacy, and unwavering dedication. Joshua ensured that bold ideas became realities, that relationships were nurtured, and that the Symphony’s work resonated far beyond the stage.”
A Love Story That Began in Junior High Orchestra
Many people believe Robison and Tilson Thomas first met in the 1970s, but their connection started much earlier. The two first met as young musicians playing together in their junior high school orchestra at Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, California.
Robison’s sister, Paula Robison, a well-known flutist, helped reconnect the pair years later in New York City after a concert at Lincoln Center. Paula Robison recalled that special moment.
“I’ll never forget that look in Michael’s eyes when he saw Joshua at Lincoln Center.”
By the mid-1970s, the two became partners. In 1976, Robison took on the formal role of general manager of MTT Inc. , Tilson Thomas’ company. He held that position for the rest of his life.
For nearly 40 years, the couple lived and worked together before they were legally married in 2014. Former city supervisor Mark Leno, a longtime friend, officiated their wedding.
Leno shared his thoughts on Robison’s character.
“Joshua was an endlessly generous and caring man of many talents. He was a champion athlete, talented dancer, a creator and prodigious producer, devoted husband, and treasured friend. In short, a true mensch.”
Building a Legacy Together
Robison played a major role in many of Tilson Thomas’ biggest achievements. In 1987, the couple co-founded the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, alongside Ted and Lin Arison. This postgraduate orchestral academy helps prepare young musicians from different backgrounds for leadership positions in classical music.
When Tilson Thomas served as the San Francisco Symphony’s Music Director from 1995 to 2020, Robison worked steadily behind the scenes. While Tilson Thomas was the public face of the organization, Robison handled the business side and made sure everything ran smoothly.
After Tilson Thomas received his brain cancer diagnosis in 2021, Robison dedicated himself to his husband’s care while continuing to manage his professional work.
Mark Leno described how Robison handled those difficult years.
“Michael would not have been as great a success if not for Joshua. Joshua provided structural support so that Michael could concentrate on the arts. He was really Michael’s backbone.”
Robison’s Final Months
Robison suffered a bad fall in August 2025, which led to a spinal cord injury. He spent months in recovery and rehabilitation. On the night of February 22, 2026, he passed away in his sleep at the couple’s apartment in San Francisco. No specific cause of death was provided.
Tilson Thomas’ team announced the news shortly after.
“It is with great sadness that we share with you that Joshua Robison, MTT’s husband, passed away in his sleep during the night of February 22. He sustained a fall last August and was in the process of rehabilitation.”
The San Francisco Symphony’s board chair praised Robison’s impact on the institution and the city.
“Together, they were deeply woven into the fabric of San Francisco itself, as much a part of the city out and about in neighborhoods and at Chrissy Field with their dogs as they were at Davies Symphony Hall. They belonged to San Francisco in every sense.”
Tilson Thomas’ Final Months
After Robison’s death, Tilson Thomas continued to be surrounded by close friends and family. His health, however, had been declining. The brain cancer he had fought since 2021 returned aggressively.
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Tilson Thomas conducted his final performance in April 2025, a belated 80th birthday celebration at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Robison produced that concert and sat beside his husband on stage throughout the event.
At the end of that concert, Tilson Thomas sang along to the song “Some Other Time,” gesturing toward Robison on the lines: “There’s so much more embracing still to be done / But time is racing.”
On April 22, 2026, Tilson Thomas died at home. The couple is survived by their sisters, nieces, and nephews. Neither Robison nor Tilson Thomas had any direct children.
The San Francisco Symphony plans to dedicate upcoming performances to Tilson Thomas’ memory, including a scheduled presentation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in June 2026.
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