Seiji Ozawa, 87, in tears conducting outer-space Beethoven concert | Classic FM

Legendary conductor Seiji Ozawa, 87, was left in tears following a performance of Beethoven's 'Egmont' Overture which was broadcast live to outer space, for astronaut Koichi Wakata on the International Space Station – as part of the One Earth mission.

Ozawa returned for the first time in four years to lead the Saito Kinen Orchestra, in a world-first performance given in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

“I believe that this project will give us courage and hope for those of us who live in difficult times,” Ozawa said in a statement. “Music has the power to connect people’s hearts, transcending language, borders, races, and the atmosphere.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting Mr. Wakata, who is now in space. I wonder what music sounds like in space.”

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[amostviertla]

RIP to Seiji Ozawa, one of the most legendary conductors in history!

[quaver]

Made me weep. Loved Seiji Ozawa’s work. He was a great conductor and I’m sure is still a great musician at 87 years old.

[Albertino]

Dear Seiji Ozawa, thank you very much for your wonderful interpretations of classical music. RIP

[MarshallArtz]

I have admired Maestro Ozawa since his days with the San Francisco Symphony. One of the greats. I will really miss him.

[warrenj]

Old age gets us only if we’re lucky. The Seiji I remember is the hip dude from the 70’s with the cool shirts and jet black hair. I’m grateful he’s still with us.

[asechka]

How could anyone watch this without bursting into tears? It's

[orlandofurioso]

RIP, your joy for music will never fade away

[nmdakini]

Tears!! In 1967 I listened to him conduct Sibelius Sym 1. So energetic, his semi long hair bouncing as he led the orchestra. I was 19 and he not that much older… great memories!

[musicofnote]

RIP Seiji Ozawa. When people hear his name, they think of Boston. But when I hear his name, I think of San Francisco. In 1970, the Lowell High School Orchestra, in San Frncisco held a fund-raising concert in the San Francisco Opera House. Besides Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Copland’s Outdoor Overture, Gershwin’s An American in Paris, all conducted by our teacher, John Pereira, Mr. Ozawa took time out of his busy international schedule to rehearse us and then lead us in concert in Debussey’s Afternoon of a Faun and Bernstein’s Candide Overture. So not only did he help us realise our dream of traveling to Japan to represent San Francisco at the Expo ′70 in Osaka, but he also inspired us all in our future lives – many of us, including myself, went on to be professional musicians ourselves and having played under his baton and leadership was … inspiring. Thank you Mr. Ozawa!

[AngeLang]

May you rest in peace, Professor Seiji Ozawa. Leave a mark on the world.

[leonardcho]

R.I.P. Maestro! A Fan from South Korea

[sportssciotaku]

Maestro Ozawa Boston will miss you greatly. Thank you for elevating our beloved symphony and having such a fun and energetic energy.

[josettedesmoulins]

Très triste !!Sejii Ozawa était un des très grands chefs d'orchestre mondial!RIP Maestro😥

[MichaelRogers-cv]

This is truly remarkable and VERY moving...I too was brought to tears!

[pjk]

RIP dear man. 🕊️🤍
You changed music for me and I'm thankful.

[wingsofcrystalaz]

rest in peace, thank you for the joy 🎶🙏🎶

[pierre-gabrieljobin]

Seiji Ozawa has been a model for conductors, in his closeness and somewhat intimate communication with his musicians. En deuil depuis Montréal

[deviritter]

The older I get, the more filled up with joy and the sheer beauty of music, and it often spills out of my eyes at concerts. I can relate.

[出渕澄子]

Really music has the power to connect people’s hearts! ❤️

[simplexj]

87, sitting in a wheel chair, and still going strong. Respect to Seiji Ozawa! R.I.P.