As the Director of the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival (OMF), Seiji Ozawa showed great love for the city of Matsumoto for over 30 years. His contributions led to the development of "Matsumoto—City of Music." In gratitude of his achievements, this year's festival will feature various commemorative events related to Seiji Ozawa.
On August 17, a special event titled "A Tribute to Director Seiji Ozawa: Celebration of Seiji's Life" will feature a performance by the Saito Kinen Orchestra. Additionally, the city will come alive with memorial flags, message boards at various locations, and illuminations at each venue and the Matsumoto City Museum to celebrate this occasion. We look forward to your participation.
【Special Event】
A Tribute to Director Seiji Ozawa: Celebration of Seiji's Life
Director Seiji Ozawa always expressed his gratitude to the people of Nagano Prefecture and Matsumoto City. To show our appreciation from the local OMF to Director Ozawa, and to celebrate his life with as many people as possible, we are hosting a special event "A Tribute to Director Seiji Ozawa." The Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji’s musical family, will perform under Nodoka Okisawa (OMF Principal Guest Conductor). Additionally, there will be a screening of specially edited footage, allowing us to reflect on the times spent with Director Ozawa.
We invite the citizens of Matsumoto City and Nagano Prefecture to attend this event for free of charge (advanced registration required). There will also be public viewings at two special venues in Matsumoto City. Details about the public viewings will be posted on the website soon.
Aug. 17 (Sat), 2024 19:00
Kissei Bunka Hall (Nagano-ken Matsumoto Bunka Kaikan)
Artists: Saito Kinen Orchestra, Nodoka Okisawa (OMF Principal Guest Conductor), and more
MC: Yumiko Udo
＜How to attend＞
〇Free of charge (advanced registration required)
〇Eligibility: Must be a Resident of Nagano Prefecture
〇Capacity: 1,000 people (If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, attendees will be selected by lottery after the application period ends.)
〇How to Apply: Online application Apply here>>>
〇Application Period: July 24 (Wed) 10:00 - July 31 (Wed) 2024, Noon
〇Announcement of Results: Attendees will be notified via the delivery of "Invitation Tickets." (Scheduled to be sent on Aug. 2 (Fri).)
Organized by the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival Executive Committee
In cooperation with the Saito Kinen Orchestra Foundation
【Open Event】
Welcome Parade / Joint Performance
Since its inauguration in 1992, Nagano residents welcomed the festival and its guests every year with a colorful parade going through historic downtown Matsumoto and ending in a joint concert with festival conductors in majestic Matsumoto castle’s garden.
This year's joint concert will feature a performance conducted by Nodoka Okisawa, OMF Principal Guest Conductor. Additionally, video footage of the late Director Seiji Ozawa will be projected on a large screen. Both performers and audience will share a moment of reflection on the enduring legacy and music of Director Ozawa.
Aug. 18 (Sun) 2024 Parade 9:00-* / Joint Performance 10:30-*
Parade: Matsumoto City, Matsumoto Castle Park
Joint Performance: National Treasure Matsumoto Castle
Conductor: Nodoka Okisawa (OMF Principal Guest Conductor)
* In case of rain: Kissei Bunka Hall (Nagano-ken Matsumoto Bunka Kaikan)
* The event time has been changed from the initial announcement.
Planned Events in Matsumoto City:
Display of Memorial Flags [Period: Aug. 4 (Sun) – Sep. 4 (Wed)]
During the festival, Matsumoto city will be adorned with OMF flags. In addition to the traditional OMF design (blue), three types of memorial flags for Director Seiji Ozawa will be displayed.
Installation of Message Boards [Period: Aug. 1(Thu) – Sep. 4 (Wed)]
Message boards will be set up at various locations in the city for Matsumoto citizens, festival attendees, and tourists to leave messages for Director Seiji Ozawa.
Locations: Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Matsumoto City Museum, Shinmai MEDIA GARDEN, and others
Illumination with OMF Logo and OMF Image Color (blue) [Period: Aug. 9 (Fri) – Sep. 4 (Wed)]
Locations: Kissei Bunka Hall (Nagano-ken Matsumoto Bunka Kaikan), Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre, The Harmony Hall, and Matsumoto City Museum.
Classical Music in the City [Period: Aug. 9 (Fri) – Sep. 4 (Wed)]
In collaboration with the Matsumoto Shopping Street Federation, classical music will be played throughout the city during the festival.
