Conductor Seiji Ozawa peacefully passed away at his residence in Tokyo on February 6th. He was 88 years old, and the cause of death was heart failure. In accordance with his wishes, a funeral service was held with only close relatives. A farewell gathering is being considered for a later date. We kindly request that the media refrain from interviews and other inquiries, respecting the family’s desire for a quiet farewell. Additionally, at the request of the family, please refrain from sending flowers, offering condolences, or any other gestures. We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to the deceased during his lifetime and respectfully inform you of his passing.

Under the belief that quartets are fundamental for all string players, regardless of solo or orchestral pursuits, and that intensive quartet training under top-level instructors is essential for cultivating globally competitive string players, we have been conducting quartet study sessions in the deep mountains of Okushiga Highlands in Nagano for 27 years. Many musicians have learned and grown in Okushiga over the years.

In order to continue the spirit of Seiji Ozawa, we will continue to educate young musicians at our academy. This year’s Seiji Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy will hold auditions on March 25th and proceed with the planned sessions from July 19th to July 30th.

We have successfully completed all program of 10-day master-classes in Okushiga Kogen and the concerts in Okushiga and Tokyo. Thank you to all the participants in the academy and to all the audiences who attended the concert.
We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone who supports the Academy, especially LANXESS K.K. .
The participants of this year’s Academy have also shown remarkable growth as young musicians, overcoming various challenges.
Please look forward to our next academy!

At 15:30 on September 12th (Sun), the performance was held at the Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel at last!
The performance was fruitful. Each quartet performed well and showed a wonderful performance with outstanding concentration, while the instructors who gave strict but heartful guidance every day during the camp watched over the concert.
The hexagonal concert hall, which represents snowflakes, and built with lots of wood, which gives the warm atmosphere, The Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel was filled with the string music of young talented musicians.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the audience who came to the concert, as well as the members of the Okushiga Kogen Jokai, and the supporters of the event, have been hosting the concert for many years.
The journey of OICMA goes on. Tomorrow, September 13th (Monday) will be a concert (closed performance) at Yamanouchi Junior High School. Stay tuned for the updates!
Then, the journey continues to the Tokyo performance (starting at 19:00, Dai-ichi Seimei Hall) on September 14th (Tuesday). The Tokyo performance will be held as scheduled.
Please look forward to the performance full of youth and seriousness!
Concert details can be found at;
https://ozawa-academy.com/en/concert/

Under the treasure filled guidance of the instructors, the students continue to explore music in the clear air and forest of Okushiga Kogen.
All the OICMA participants study string ensembles every year as Seiji Ozawa values it’s importance. This year “Introduction and Allegro Op. 47” by British composer Elgar (1857-1934) was selected. This is one of the masterpieces of the string ensembles. It is played by a string quartet with a string orchestra, and the　dramatic music amuses the audience from the beginning to the end.

On Saturday, September 11th, OICMA participants practiced Elgar’s music at the Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel for tomorrow’s performance. In the superb acoustics of the concert hall, the music changes constantly, it becomes more vivid and condensed.
Contrabassist Ms. Ayane Okamoto is joining as a support musician. Her talent helps support the basis of the ensemble and adds depth to the music.
Finally, tomorrow, September 12th (Sun), we will have a concert at the Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel.
Please look forward to the enthusiastic performance!

photo : Michiharu Okubo_2021OICMA

On the evening of September 9th (Thursday) , the 4th day of the ensemble training camp, the OICMA’s customary “Ensemble Session ” was held at the Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel, which is also to be the venue for the final performance.

The Music Hall in Okushiga Kogen Hotel is a concert hall created on the directions and vision of Seiji Ozawa. The hall is lined with high quality tone woods that allow for great acoustics. There are no boundaries between the stage and the audience, which creates an intimate atmosphere for both the performers and concert goers. It is in this unique hall that each quartet plays the music they have been working on in front of the other academy participants.
On the journey of searching for their special interpretations during the OICMA camp, everyone benefited from the ensemble session. Playing in public gave the quartet members a chance to feel and consider many points about the music even though the performances are not yet perfect. The quartets were motivated and inspired by listening to the fellow academy musicians as well.
The final concert day in Okushiga is approaching soon. The academy students will continue to strive for the ultimate performance until the end!