– Longtime BSO Music Director and Berkshire County fixture
– Seiji Ozawa dies at 88 in Tokyo.
Conductor Seiji Ozawa Passes Away at 88
Background and Legacy
Seiji Ozawa, the renowned conductor, passed away at his home in Tokyo on Tuesday at the age of 88. He left a lasting impact on the world of music during his tenure as the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s music director from 1973 to 2002. Ozawa’s connection to the Berkshires in Massachusetts was profound, as he was a fixture at the BSO’s summer home of Tanglewood in Lenox and Stockbridge. In fact, Ozawa had a deep affinity for the region and owned a home in West Stockbridge until his recent passing. His contributions to Tanglewood were so significant that in 1994, one of the buildings at the venue was named after him – Seiji Ozawa Hall.
Remembering Ozawa’s Connection to the Berkshires
Tony Fogg, the Vice President of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, spoke about Ozawa’s deep connection to the Berkshires and the impact he had on Tanglewood. Fogg highlighted how Tanglewood was the first musical place in America that Ozawa ever encountered. In 1960, he arrived there as a fellow of the Tanglewood Music Center and was immediately captivated. Ozawa dedicated himself to the festival’s growth and development, leaving an indelible mark. Every corner of Tanglewood exudes his spirit, and his energy, friendship, and love brought the whole place to life.
Ozawa’s Character and Presence
Fogg described Ozawa as a caring individual who had a genuine love and appreciation for humanity. While he admired those in leadership roles, Ozawa also cherished the everyman. He was known to attend sports games, particularly those in Boston, where he would sit in the bleachers at Fenway, enjoying the camaraderie of the crowd while savoring a beer and a hotdog. To the fans, he was simply Seiji, their friend who showed up to support the team.
Highlights of Ozawa’s Career
Reflecting on Ozawa’s prolific conducting career, Fogg shared some standout moments. One such occasion was a concert held under the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the year 2000. Ozawa orchestrated a grand performance, conducting a combined Boston Symphony and Orchestre de Paris, along with a chorus and children. He even encouraged the audience to sing along, resulting in tens of thousands of people united in music on Champ de Mars. Fogg also recalled the reopening of the theater concert hall at Tanglewood in 1996, where Ozawa’s dedication and energy shone through while working on Benjamin Britten’s ‘Peter Grimes.’ It was a night filled with intense musical passion and showcased Ozawa at his finest.
Celebrating Ozawa’s Life
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is currently in the early stages of planning how to celebrate and honor Ozawa’s life and contributions. A small remembrance will take place at the concerts in Boston this weekend, and a tribute to Ozawa will be posted on the orchestra’s website soon. Further plans are being developed to commemorate his passing and celebrate his legacy at Tanglewood this summer.
Seiji Ozawa’s passing leaves a significant void in the world of classical music. His talent, dedication, and love for the art form will continue to inspire generations to come..
– Longtime BSO Music Director and Berkshire County fixture Seiji Ozawa dies at 88 in Tokyo
– Longtime BSO Music Director and Berkshire County fixture Seiji Ozawa passes away in Tokyo.
