2021 Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival All Performances Cancelled
In light of the rising cases of COVID-19, we are canceling the August 28 and 29 Orchestra Concert Program A, September 3 and 5 Orchestra Concert Program B, September 4 Chamber Concert II, and all open events. Accordingly, all paid programs of the 2021 Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival have been cancelled (*1). We deeply apologize to those who were looking forward to attending, as well as to all who were working in preparation of the festival.
When announcing the cancellation of the OMF Opening Concerts and Chamber Concert I on August 17, we also advised that we would be sending antigen test kits free of charge to those who have tickets to the later concerts and reside in areas subject to the state of emergency and priority preventive measures. These kits have been sent out from August 20 (*2) in anticipation that this would help to contribute to the safety and reassurance of guests as well as the residents who have fostered and supported the festival in Matsumoto as its home field for many years. However, the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high in Nagano Prefecture and all of Japan, and the medical care system is in strain. In face of the circumstances, we have reached this decision.
We pray from our hearts that we can hold the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival for its 30th anniversary next year, amid better circumstances where all involved in the festival will feel safe and reassured.
Please see the OMF official website [Ticket Refund Information page] for details on how to refund your ticket. Refund requests will be taken from Friday, September 10.
==Concerts subject to ticket refunds due to cancellation==
- August 21 (Sat) OMF Opening Concert
- August 22 (Sun) Chamber Concert I
- August 28 (Sat) & 29 (Sun) Orchestra Concert Program A
- September 3 (Fri) & 5 (Sun) Orchestra Concert Program B
- September 4 (Sat) OMF Family Concert
- September 4 (Sat) Chamber Concert II
*1: The open event “Harmony at the Castle” and "Welcome Street Live" were held on August 8. Festival Photo Exhibitions are scheduled to continue through Sunday, September 12 as originally planned.
*2: There is no need to return antigen test kits that have already been received.
This is very disappointing.
I am saddened by this heartbreaking, painful decision.
From the bottom of my heart, I look forward to seeing you all next year, along with my Saito Kinen Orchestra colleagues.
Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival Director
