SF Symphony’s Director Michael Tilson Thomas Turns 70

Davies Symphony Hall was a sea of blue on Jan. 15, as revelers wore the favorite color of San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas in honor of his 70th birthday. Gov. Jerry Brown, Paul and Nancy Pelosi and George and Charlotte Shultz—who wore a glittery heart-shaped “WE LOVE MTT” pendant—were among the 350 guests at a sit-down dinner created by Alice Waters. The fete was held prior to a dazzling celebratory performance with guest artists—including surprise performers Boz Scaggs and Elvis Costello, who, along with Drew Zingg, Phil Lesh, Lars Ulrich and Karl Sevaride, performed the Beatles’ “Birthday.” The elegant evening began with a cocktail reception in the Wattis Room followed by dinner in blue-hued SoundBox—magnificently decorated by Stanlee Gatti—where an exclusive after-party took place, complete with cake, cocktails and a performance by a jazz trio. Proceeds from the birthday dinner support the San Francisco Symphony’s community and education programs, which annually serve over 75,000 Bay Area children.