For a period of almost 35 years he conducted hundreds of performances across Australia in just about every centre where the various state symphony orchestras ventured, and introduced music to virtually a whole generation of young Australians through his popular and distinctive schools concerts.
He decided to increasingly offer 20th-century composers as a way of developing a broadened approach on the part of the audiences to diverse modern repertoire, plus a more responsive and capable facility from the orchestra.
Thomas established an international reputation, especially in Europe where he was offered coveted return engagements by several leading ensembles.
As a writer, his later work included an autobiography (Upbeats and Downbeats: A Conductor's Life), several hundred poems, a booklet of career anecdotes, a published reference text (Overture to Conducting), as well as articles and scripts for radio stations 2MBS FM and ABC Classic FM.
[6] The Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to music in Australia.