Renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa passed away from heart failure at his residence in Tokyo, as confirmed by his management office on Friday. He was 88 years old.
Ozawa, a celebrated maestro from Japan, served as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1973 to 2002, marking the longest tenure of any conductor in the orchestra’s 128-year history. Following his time in Boston, he held the position of music director at the Vienna State Opera from 2002 to 2010.
During his leadership of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ozawa wielded significant influence and drew renowned performers such as Yo-Yo Ma to collaborate with the ensemble. His contributions earned him two Emmys for his television work with the orchestra.
In 2006, upon returning to conduct the Boston orchestra for the first time since his departure four years earlier, Ozawa was warmly welcomed with a nearly six-minute ovation, a testament to his enduring impact on the orchestra and its audience.
Beyond his work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ozawa was also recognized as the artistic director and founder of the Saito Kinen Festival, a prestigious music and opera festival in Japan.
Ozawa’s passing occurred at his Tokyo residence on Tuesday, according to his management office, Veroza Japan. In accordance with his family’s wishes for a quiet farewell, his funeral was attended only by close relatives.
