The final concert of the Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy Okushiga 2025, held at Tokyo’s TOPPAN Hall, concluded amid warm applause.
From the intensive rehearsals in Okushiga to the final performance, the young musicians dedicated themselves each day to learning, challenging themselves, and growing deeply through music.

Throughout the Academy, Maestro Carl St.Clair provided powerful and consistent leadership from the very first rehearsal. His passionate and devoted guidance inspired all participants profoundly.
Alongside the dedicated instruction from our faculty coaches for each instrument, the Tokyo concert blossomed into a performance overflowing with that very passion for music.

By engaging sincerely with the music and supporting one another as colleagues, we believe the participants truly experienced what it means to “create music together.”
We offer our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared this special time with us once again this year.

It’s been a while, but we’re finally sharing an update on our concert held at Toppan Hall on July 30, 2024.

The performance showcased the achievements of our young musicians, honed through intensive training during the academy camp. Their passionate playing filled the hall with vibrant sounds, each note reflecting their growth and dedication.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special concert and to all who continue to support these talented young artists. We look forward to sharing more of their musical journeys with you.

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!