In honor of Michael Tilson Thomas’ lifetime of contributions as a composer, a deluxe collection of CDs and digital recordings of his compositions was released on the Pentatone label on October 4th, with SFS partnering with Pentatone for this release. This four-disc set spans more than five decades of his compositional career and features 18 works, from premiere recordings to remastered archival recordings available for the first time. The collection also includes an extensive booklet containing composer’s notes, original essays, and a timeline of archival photos chronicling MTT’s life as a pianist, conductor, composer, recording artist, and teacher.

All net proceeds from GRACE: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas will be donated to brain cancer research at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center.

Deutsche Grammophon announces the world premiere recording of Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater, performed by the San Francisco Symphony and conducted by Saariaho’s lifelong friend Esa-Pekka Salonen. This recording captures a June 2023 performance of a staged production directed by Peter Sellars, delivered mere days after the composer’s passing; mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron sings the title role, in a cast that also includes Axelle Fanyo (Refka), Nicholas Phan (Yonas), and Christopher Purves (Tsargo). Adriana Mater is available digitally worldwide. A physical edition will follow in 2025.

Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird tells the story of a young prince who defeats an evil king with a golden egg. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the San Francisco Symphony in a new recording of the complete score, from its first explosive dance to its last gorgeous lullaby.

Sergei Prokofiev’s vibrant Romeo and Juliet depicts the fierce war of the Montagues and Capulets, and, of course, the two star-crossed lovers. In a new recording, Esa-Pekka Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony unleash the beguiling romance and seething tension of Prokofiev’s score.

Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique paints scenes of lavish beauty and ghastly visions. Esa-Pekka Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony explore the psychedelic expanses of this colorful score in a new recording. LISTEN