World-renowned conductor, music director of Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa dies at 88
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
World-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa who was music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 3 decades, has died at 88.
Ozawa died of heart failure at his home in Tokyo on February 6, his management office said Friday.
The acclaimed Japanese maestro led the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1973 to 2002, longer than any other conductor in the orchestra’s 128-year history.
“Without question, Seiji Ozawa was one of the world’s greatest conductors, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra was privileged to have had such a long and productive relationship with him as music director,” said BSO Music Director, Andris Nelsons.
(1/3) With great sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved Music Director Laureate Seiji Ozawa, who passed away on February 6 at age 88 in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/2oJpa57b1o
— Boston Symphony (@BostonSymphony) February 9, 2024
From 2002 to 2010, he was music director of the Vienna State Opera.
“ We are happy to have experienced so many artistic highlights with Seiji Ozawa. It was a gift to be able to go on a long journey with this artist, who was characterized by the highest musical standards and at the same time humility towards the treasures of musical culture as well as his loving interaction with his colleagues and his charisma, which was also felt by the audience,” said Professor Daniel Froschauer, board member of the Vienna Philharmonic.
According to the AP, “Ozawa exerted enormous influence over the BSO during his tenure.
“I will always be grateful to Seiji for the kindness and warmth he showed me. I also recall so well and appreciate his enthusiasm for the city and people of Boston, Tanglewood—and the Boston Red Sox! He was a musician with a big heart, and I will greatly miss his humanity and serene grace. My thoughts are with Seiji’s family at this challenging time,” Nelsons added
Ozawa won two Emmys for television work with the orchestra.
“He left a great artistic legacy with the Vienna Philharmonic. We will sorely miss Seiji Ozawa as a friend and musical partner. Our thoughts are with his family added Froschauer.
(2/3) Our longest-serving conductor, holding the title of Music Director for 29 years (1973–2002), Seiji was a kind and thoughtful humanitarian, a musical genius who combined a balletic grace at the podium with a prodigious memory... pic.twitter.com/xXA2kEKcBE
— Boston Symphony (@BostonSymphony) February 9, 2024
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
