TOKYO: Renowned Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, revered for his leadership of world-famous orchestras, passed away at his residence in Tokyo at the age of 88, his management announced on Friday.
In a statement released on their official Facebook page, Ozawa’s management conveyed that the maestro departed peacefully on February 6th, 2024, succumbing to heart failure. As per his wishes, a private funeral was held with the presence of close relatives.
News of Ozawa’s demise reverberated across local media channels, prompting an outpouring of condolences on social media platforms.
Born in 1935 in Manchuria, then under Japanese rule, Ozawa’s musical journey began with piano lessons during his formative years. However, a rugby injury that caused two broken fingers redirected his focus towards conducting.
Venturing abroad in 1959, Ozawa encountered luminaries of classical music such as Leonard Bernstein, serving as Bernstein’s assistant at the New York Philharmonic during the 1961-1962 season. Subsequently, Ozawa assumed leadership roles in orchestras based in Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco.
He held the prestigious position of musical director at the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 29 years, earning the honor of having a concert hall named after him.
In 2002, Ozawa transitioned to the role of chief conductor at the Vienna State Opera, a position he held until 2010, further solidifying his enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
