TOKYO (AP) — Renowned Japanese maestro Seiji Ozawa, who served as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for nearly 30 years, passed away at the age of 88 at his home in Tokyo on Feb. 6, as announced by the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland.
Ozawa, known for his shaggy hair and exuberant energy, had been in fragile health for years, undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer in 2010. Despite his health struggles, Ozawa made a significant impact in the world of classical music, becoming the first Asian conductor to gain worldwide recognition as the leader of a classical orchestra.
Arriving in Boston in the early 1970s, Ozawa quickly made a name for himself with his youthful energy and strikingly different appearance from the middle-aged, tuxedo-wearing conductors who had long dominated the classical music scene. His effortlessly hip image and appearances on magazine covers, as well as his recognition from the general public, set him apart from his contemporaries.
With a gift for uniting large orchestras and choruses in complex works, Ozawa conducted world premieres and recorded an extensive repertoire of classical music, solidifying his reputation as a serious and prodigiously gifted musician.
Despite his success, Ozawa’s tenure in Boston became a topic of debate, with critics expressing disappointment in what they saw as coasting performances in later years. However, Ozawa retained devoted fans and protectors, continuing to receive recognition throughout his career.
Ozawa’s life and career represented a blend of Eastern and Western culture, a successful fusion that he attributed to the beauty of Western music, which he compared to the universal beauty of the sunset.
Throughout his illustrious career and numerous contributions to classical music, Seiji Ozawa’s legacy as a trailblazing conductor and musician will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the world of classical music.