thomas was only 20 years old when his father was reinstated as mayor of st. helens. to celebrate this, his father paid for the hallé orchestra to give a concert. it was going to be conducted by the famous german conductor hans richter. however, a few days before the concert it was announced that richter was ill. thomas immediately said he would conduct the concert. the orchestra at first refused to play for a 20 year old who had only once ever conducted a concert, but in the end they changed their minds and the concert was a great success.