Trailblazing maestro Seiji Ozawa, who served as Boston Symphony Orchestra's conductor for decades, has died, his management group confirmed on Friday.
A spokesperson for the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland revealed in a statement that the Japanese conductor died at his home in Tokyo on February 6. He was 88.
What Was Seiji Ozawa's Cause of Death
According to Ozawa's representative, the conductor passed away after suffering from heart failure. He was previously diagnosed with a heart valve disease, per the spokesperson.
He faced other health issues over the past years, including back problems and esophageal cancer.
Ozawa's official X page and Instagram also shared the announcement regarding his death. His family reportedly held a private funeral attended only by close relatives and started considering having a memorial at a later date.
"Out of respect for the bereaved family's wish to see him off quietly, we kindly ask you to refrain from requesting comments or interviews," it said, adding, "In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, we also kindly ask you to refrain from sending flowers, condolence gifts, and requesting visits."
Ozawa's team also expressed their gratitude to everyone who had shown kindness while the conductor was still alive.
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Seiji Ozawa Receives Heartwarming Tribute
Fans left heartfelt comments under the posts, while some created separate tribute online.
"Farewell, You Beautiful Soul. Thank you for living your musical spirit and touching us all, including myself, throughout your lifespan. I am sure, and that gives me some relief, that you were made aware of your beautiful impact on humans," one said. "Now rest. Peacefully. You are treasured in my heart as long as it will be beating. From there your light will keep on shining."
The Vienna Philharmonic's X page wrote, "We mourns [sic] the loss of our honorary member Seiji Ozawa. Seiji Ozawa, one of the great conductors of our time, has passed away. We look back with gratitude & love on many performances together, especially on tour through Japan."
"Extremely sad to read this news," another said. #SeijiOzawa was one of the greatest human being & musician I ever met. I learned so much from him during my summers at the Ozawa Academy."
Ozawa worked with a long list of North American orchestras through the years, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.
He also became the music director for the Vienna State Opera from 2002 to 2010.
In the years leading to his death, Ozawa collected different accolades that honored his legacy. He won one Grammy for Best Opera Recording and Japan's Praemium Imperiale award for lifetime achievement in the arts.
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