“The internationally acclaimed maestro, with his trademark mop of salt-and-pepper hair, led the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1973 to 2002, longer than any other conductor in the orchestra’s history. From 2002 to 2010, he was the music director of the Vienna State Opera.”
A nice write-up about him:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/acclaimed-japanese-conductor-seiji-ozawa-dies-age-88-107092695
Some good (short) videos:
http://youtu.be/WkIzajyNKuc?si=Q7tgMuDaoo8Tu-q-
http://youtu.be/u-S3Lb6Nl0Q?si=XXA7EC5xjcw8hLY8
“Music can link the hearts of people — transcending words, borders, religion, and politics. It is my hope that through music, we can be reminded that we are all of the same human race living on the same planet. And that we are united,” Ozawa said in a statement.
I had the privilege of seeing him a few times. He had incredible, enthusiastic, and contagious energy; with his hair bushy and wild, he was passionate and so gifted. I met him on stage after a concert in Tanglewood, MA (through Mstislav Rostropovich, who I personally knew). It was a great honor to be brought on stage and be introduced to him. He was exhausted and energized and very kind.
I didn't know that he was also an athlete and a big Red Sox fan. I like how he equates (in one of the video interviews above) skiing to conducting - a matter of focus. A life well-lived. RIP Seiji Ozawa. |
