Celebrating Michael Tilson Thomas at 80: A Personal Tribute
This month, I have the profound honor of participating in MTT at 80, a celebration of Michael Tilson Thomas's musical legacy with the San Francisco Symphony. MTT has been a guiding force in my career, and this concert is an incredibly personal moment for me. Having had the privilege to collaborate with him over the years, I’ve gained invaluable insights into his unique musical voice. To now perform his works in tribute to him—alongside some of the world’s finest musicians—is a full-circle moment that I can’t wait to share with you.
The program opens with a tribute video, followed by my performance of MTT’s Grace with the incomparable Sasha Cooke. This song—elegant and deeply expressive—was composed in the 1980s for Leonard Bernstein’s birthday and holds a special place in MTT’s catalogue. I’ll then join Frederica von Stade (“Flicka”) for Debussy’s La flûte de Pan, a subtle and shimmering duet she sings with Sasha Cooke.
Additional highlights with me at the piano (as a player within the San Francisco Symphony) include Sasha Cooke’s performance of MTT’s Immer Wieder from Meditations on Rilke, as well as two intimate chamber arrangements: Drift Off to Sleep and Answered Prayers, featuring Ben Jones. These works are especially meaningful for me, as I’ve worked closely over the past year with MTT and his librarian on editing archival scores and creating chamber ensemble arrangements for both Answered Prayers and Sentimental Again, which will also appear later in the program with Jessica Vosk and full orchestra.
This concert isn’t just a performance—it’s the culmination of years of collaboration, mentorship, and shared artistry. It promises to be a night filled with heartfelt music, honoring one of the most influential musicians of our time.
From the Concert Hall to the Café: Schoenfield’s Café Music
Less than 24 hours after the MTT concert, I’ll be back on stage performing Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music. This piece is a wildly entertaining fusion of classical virtuosity and jazz-infused rhythms, designed to evoke the lively atmosphere of a bustling café. Schoenfield masterfully blends elements of ragtime, blues, and klezmer, creating a piece that feels both sophisticated and spontaneous. I’ll be joined by two dear colleagues from the San Francisco Symphony for this performance, and we’re aiming to capture the full spectrum of moods—from buttoned-up precision to full-out musical abandon.
I love how Café Music keeps both the performers and the audience on their toes. One moment, it’s an elegant salon piece, and the next, it feels like a late-night jazz club after a few rounds of drinks. This contrast makes it one of the most exhilarating chamber works to play, and I hope the audience enjoys the rollercoaster ride as much as we do!
John Wilson and Courtney Bryan
A Note of Recognition
It's always meaningful to see performances resonate with critics and audiences alike. In a recent review on his new platform On a Pacific Aisle, Joshua Kosman—longtime critic for the San Francisco Chronicle and Classical Voice—praised my recent appearance in San Francisco Symphony’s SoundBox series. Reflecting on a program curated by Courtney Bryan, Kosman wrote:
“I loved hearing explosive rhythmic piano etudes by Tania León and Marcos Balter, as well as a genteel excerpt from a sonatina by Roger Dickerson, all superbly rendered by pianist John Wilson.”
I’m honored by the mention, especially within such an adventurous and boundary-pushing program. You can read the full article here.
Upcoming Appearances
Film with Live Orchestra: Titanic – San Francisco Symphony (April 4 & 5, 2025)
Private Solo Recital – Mozart, Schubert & Brahms (April 6, 2025)
Michael Tilson Thomas 80th Birthday Concert – Davies Symphony Hall (April 26, 2025)
San Francisco Symphony Chamber Series: Café Music – Davies Symphony Hall (April 27, 2025)
Guerrero Conducts Pines of Rome – San Francisco Symphony (May 2–3, 2025)
Salonen Conducts The Firebird – San Francisco Symphony (May 23–25, 2025)
Solo Recital – Presented by the Merced Symphony (June 1, 2025)
