News

Short clip from "Seiji Ozawa Spirit of Music" is out!

A short clip from the special documentary featuring Seiji Ozawa and Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland "Seiji Ozawa Spirit of Music" has arrived!
Seiji Ozawa lead a masterclass at the Fondation Louis Vuitton from June 30th to July 3rd 2015. The documentary contains footage of the public rehearsals and the final showcase, as well as a short interview with the maestro. Many audience enjoyed the full documentary when we screened it on July 7th in Matsumoto.
We are happy to announce that 3 minutes clip from the documentary is available to watch. We are sure you can feel the glimpse of how the academy students practice themselves before they perform in Matsumoto this year at Chamber Concert I - Robert Mann Memorial Concert-. Please enjoy the video on the Chamber Concert I program page.

"Concert for Children" is open to public for the first time!

One of educational programs at OMF "Concert for Children" will take place on September 6 (Thu) at Matsumoto city gymnasium. This concert intended for Nagano prefecture elementary school sixth grade students, delivered by Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Orchestra. This year we open this program to the public and this is the first time ever to welcome general public "Concert for Children" at OMF!
People who live in Nagano prefecture are all welcome to this program. If you wish to participate, please read below and apply accordingly.
The program is Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, conducted by Tatsuya Shimono who conducted many times at the festival. You can enjoy "Introduction of Instruments" which is a unique performance only can be seen at the Concert for Children. We are looking forward to seeing you!


Concert for Children Outline
Date: Sep 6th (Thu)
Part 1: Door Open : 10:00- Start: 11:00- (Duration:about 1 hour)
Part 2: Door Open : 13:00- Start: 14:00- (Duration:about 1 hour)
Venue: Matsumoto City Gymnasium Main Arena (5-1, Misuzu, Matsumoto)
Entrance: Free
Program:
Introduction of Instruments
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 
Song of Nagano prefecture "Shinano no Kuni"

Conductor: Tatsuya Shimono
Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Orchestra

Open to Public
Intended Audience: Nagano prefecture residents
Number of seats: 1,590 for each parts (In total 3,180 seats)
Other: "Concert for Children" on Sep 7th (Fri) at Hokuto Bunka Hall is NOT open to public.

How to apply
(1) Apply by post card
(2) One person can apply up to 2 post cards for each part.
(3) Please write "part you wish to attend (Part 1 or Part 2) ", "Numbers of seats". "postal code", "home address", "name", "age", "phone number" on the back of the post card and mail it to the address below.
※The address you write should be in Nagano prefecture.
(4) Where to send
〒390-0874 3-8-13-3F, Ote, Matsumoto
Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival Committee

Close of Application  Aug 12 (Sun) , 2018

Others
(1) The ticket will be "block reserved".
(2) If there were any miss information on the post card or if it was unable to deliver the ticket to the address you provided, the application would be void.
(3) If the numbers of application reached to the numbers of seats, there will be a drawing.
(4) There will be no public parking at the venue.
(5) If you wish to bring child under 6 years old, please come with one adult per child.

Saito Kinen Orchestra Member List Announced!

The full member list of Saito Kinen Orchestra has been announced! This year we have in total 118 artists to join the magnificent orchestra. Don't miss the one and only sound created by the great artists in the world. Please see each program pages for SKO member list.

Kei Shirai & Rei Tsujimoto Special Interview on Web Bravo!

SKO members Kei Shirai (violin) & Rei Tsujimoto (cello), who will perform at Chamber Concert I, Chamber Concert III and Orchestra Concert Program B, have been interviewed on Web Bravo (Classical music concert information portal site) !


Interview: Kei Shirai & Rei Tsujimoto (Article is in Japanese)

Chamber Concert I Additional Member Announcement

AdditionalMember-Final.jpgChamber Concert I -Robert Mann Memorial Concert- is considered one of the most special programs in this year's Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival. The late great Violinist Robert Mann, who passed away this past January, brought to Matsumoto not only exquisite chamber music and “WORD and MUSIC” performances, but also magnificent music as a conductor. He was deeply committed to educating young musicians as well, and dedicated himself to the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland since its founding. In addition to the Academy who will hold a memorial concert in his honor, some of Saito Kinen Orchestra members will join the concert.

Today we are happy to announce that 11 SKO members who are all had been taught by Mr. Mann will join the string orchestra. The additional members are Sayaka Kinoshiro, Madoka Sakitsu, Machiko Shimada, Kei Shirai, Chiharu Taki, Chisako Naoe, Ryo Mikami, Aiko Goto (violin), Ryo Oshima, Maiko Takimoto (viola) and Rei Tsujimoto (cello). They will perform one of Mr. Mann and Ozawa's favorite number, Beethoven: String Quartet No.16 in F major, Op. 135 - III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo (string orchestra ver.) with 20 Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland members.

Sadao Harada (cello) and Nobuko Imai (viola) , the two tutors chosen by Seiji Ozawa for their talent and for their high standards – will come to the concert as well. Please look forward this the one and only special program.

Ticket sales on July 7 and 8. Kids are welcome on July 7!

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2018OMF tickets are available for purchase on July 7 (Sat) and July 8 (Sun) OMF pre-events! The pre-evnets will take place in Matsumoto and Tokyo, and it is the only chance that you can purchase 2018OMF tickets in person in Tokyo.

Pre-event on July 7 are welcoming kids audiecne! There will be kids-friendly area where they can sit and enjoy the music of soprano and harp. According to the weather forcast, it is said that it would be rainy on Saturday. Please come to Agata No Mori class room 2-8 where you can have a great time with music inside.

OMF Pre-event Afternoon Concert
Date: July 7 (Sat)
Venue: Agatano Mori Bunka Kaikan class room: 2-8

Time:
11:30 - 12:00 Door Open / 2018 Ticket sales start
12:00 - 13:00 "Seiji Ozawa THE LIVING SPIRIT OF MUSIC" screening
14:00 - 14:45  Afternoon Concert & Talk Session <Song & Harp>
Artists: Rena Fujii (soprano), Nanako Hirai (harp)

**All programs admission free

Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival comes to Ginza
Date: July 8 (sun)
Venue: Ginza NAGANO
Time:
10:30 - 12:00 2018OMF Tickets Sales / OMF Goods / Previous OMF concerts screening
13:00 - 13:45 Salon Concert & Talk Session I <Song & Harp>
15:00 - 15:45 Salon Concert & Talk Session II <Violin & Cello>
16:00 - 17:00 2018OMF Tickets Sales / OMF Goods / Previous OMF concerts screening
(Both Salon Concerts are sold out. Thank you.)

OMF Photo Exhibition at Ginza NAGANO!

We are happy to announce that OMF photo exhibition will take place at Ginza NAGANO from July 2nd (mon) to July 6th (fri) and 8th (sun). Please come and see 2017OMF official photos taken by OMF official photographers when you are in Ginza area.

Date: July 2nd (mon) - 6th(fri) and 8th (sun) (*Open till 4 pm on July 5th)
Open: 10:30 - 20:00
Venue: Ginza NAGANO 2F

2018OMF Tickets are available at The Harmony Hall!

2018OMF tickets are now on sale at each ticket agencies; Ticket Pia, Lawson ticket, and e+(e-plus). You can purchase OMF opera tickets at Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre. The Harmony Hall also started selling the three Chamber Concert tickets and OMF Chamber Music Study Group -Brass Ensemble- tickets at the counter. There are some sold out seats in a few programs. Don't miss out your tickets!

<Tickets are available at>
The Harmony Hall : Chamber Concert I, II, III and OMF Chamber Music Study Group -Brass Ensemble-
Matsumoto City Performing Arts Centre: OMF Opera by Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Orchestra Puccini: Gianni Schicchi
Ticket Agencies : All programs
Please see here for tickets information.

"Seiji Ozawa THE LIVING SPIRIT OF MUSIC" Special documentary screening on July 7

The special documentary featuring Seiji Ozawa and Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland will be screened at Agatano Mori Bunka Kaikan class room 2-8 on July 7th.
Seiji Ozawa lead a masterclass at the Fondation Louis Vuitton from June 30th to July 3rd 2015. This documentary contains footage of the public rehearsals and the final showcase, as well as a short interview with Seiji Ozawa. The documentary is in English and French with Japanese subtitles. July 7th is the only chance we can show you this video on a large screen.

OMF Pre-event Afternoon Concert
Date: July 7 (Sat)
Time: 12:00 - 13:00 "Seiji Ozawa THE LIVING SPIRIT OF MUSIC" screening
   14:00 - 14:45  Afternoon Concert & Talk Session <Song & Harp>
Artists: Rena Fujii (soprano), Nanako Hirai (harp)
**Both programs admission free
Venue: Agatano Mori Bunka Kaikan class room: 2-8

Chamber Concert I Program & Artists Announcement

1162_imas_2009.jpg by by Nicolas LIEBER_trimmed_Credit.jpg

We are happy to announce the program details and artists of Chamber Concert I -Robert Mann Memorial Concert-.
The late great Violinist Robert Mann, who passed away this past January, brought to Matsumoto not only exquisite chamber music and “WORD and MUSIC” performances, but also magnificent music as a conductor. He was deeply committed to educating young musicians as well, and dedicated himself to the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland since its founding. A string quartet and string orchestra from the Academy will hold a memorial concert in his honor.
Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland, which was founded in 2005, is entering its 14th season this year. Talented young people come to the Academy for the group work, for the chamber music, for the tutors and for the quality of the teaching, but above all they are looking for the rigor that it provides. They enjoy the Academy’s very particular atmosphere, which combines listening, exchange and unique dialogue with one of the greatest conductors of our time.

Sadao Harada (cello), Nobuko Imai (viola) and Pamela Frank (violin) – three tutors chosen by Seiji Ozawa for their talent and for their high standards – have run the Academy since its inception. Mr. Mann was invited to this academy as a special tutor and had been in charge of master classes and had conducted String Orchestra together with Seiji Ozawa.
The Academy will take place at Rolle Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva from June 30th, and will perform at Victoria Hall (Geneva/July 8th), Fondation Louis Vuitton (Paris/July 11th) and come to Matsumoto as a final destination. They will perform one of Mr. Mann and Ozawa's favorite number, Beethoven: String Quartet No.16 in F major, Op. 135 - III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo (string orchestra ver.).


Chamber Concert I - Robert Mann Memorial Concert- Program

<Quartets> (Each group play 1 or 2 movement(s) from each number)
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 74, "Harp"
Violin: Suyoen Kim, Julien Szulman Viola: Violaine Despeyroux Cello: Bumjun Kim

Brahms: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51
Violin: Alena Baeva, Clémence de Forceville Viola: Tomoko Akasaka Cello: Maciej Kulakowski

Debussy: String Quartet in G minor, Op.10
Violin: Marie-Astrid Hulot, Yume Fujise Viola: Lara Albesano Cello: Hsing-Han Tsai

Schumann: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 41
Violin: Rebecca Roozeman, Clara Mesplé Viola: Johannes Moehrle Cello: Jonathan Roozeman

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No 3 in E-flat minor, Op. 30
Violin: Shuichi Okada, Alexandre Pascal Viola: Karolina Errera Cello: Darima Tcyrempilova

<String Orchestra>
Beethoven: String Quartet No.16 in F major, Op. 135 - III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo (string orchestra ver.)
and more


2018 Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland Member

【Violin】
Alena BAEVA / 1985 / Russia
First prizes at Wieniawski (Poznan, Poland, 2001) and Sendai (2007) competitions. Alena participates to the Academy since 2007 and is now a senior member.

Clémence DE FORCEVILLE / 1991 / France
Prize-winner of Torùn and Vasco Abadjiev International Competition. The first violin of the Hieronymus Quartet. Performed at LA FOLLE JOURNÉE au Japon in 2014.

Yume FUJISE / 1995 / Japan
Student of Alina Ibragimova and Mark Messenger at the Royal College of Music, London. She participates to the Academy since 2017.

Marie-Astrid HULOT / 1997 / France
Awarded in Peccatte and Marteau International Competitions, she obtained her master’s degree at 19 at the CNSM de Paris, first named with congratulations. She participated in the Academy in 2013.

Suyoen KIM / 1987 / Korea
In 2006, she won the 1st prize at the International Joseph Joachin Violin Competition in Hanover. Deutsche Grammophon released her latest recording with Beethoven violin concerto and the two romances in March 2016. Suyoen participates to the Academy since 2005. She is now senior member.

Clara MESPLE / 1997 / France
Recently joined the Mahler Jugendorchester. In 2016, with the Confluence quartet, she won the 1st prize at the Philharmonie de Paris and two prizes at the Fnapec Competition in Paris.

Shuichi OKADA / 1995/ France
He is the winner of numerous competitions such as the Ginette Neveu, Mirecourt, Lipizer, Kreisler, Markneukirchen and Postacchini. He won the Prince of Hesse Award at the prestigious Kronberg Academy. He participates in the Academy since 2013.

Alexandre PASCAL / 1993/ France
He is very active as a chamber musician. Winning top awards at Paris Conservatoire in 2009. He has participated in the Academy since 2016.

Rebecca ROOZEMAN / 2001/ Finland
Student of Pekka Kauppinen at the Sibelius Academy Youth Department. She won several first prizes in competitions and regularly appears both as a soloist and as a chamber musician.

Julien SZULMAN / 1985 / France
Laureate of Geneva and Long-Thibaud competition, is concertmaster in Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire (France), regular member of Saito Kinen Orchestra and teacher in Seiji Ozawa Quartet Academy Okushiga. He participates to the Academy since 2007. He is senior member, in charge of the selection committee.

【Viola】
Lara ALBESANO / 1996 / Italy
She obtained her violin diploma with honorable mention at Turin Conservatorium. She was awarded in many competitions such as the 2nd prize at the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition in Birmingham in 2017.

Tomoko AKASAKA / 1981 / Japan
As a soloist she has appeared with the Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, the Muenchener Kammerorchester, the Filarmonica Banatul Timisoara, the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, the Ensemble Contrechamps and the Japan Chamber orchestra under the baton of conductors like Seiji Ozawa, Heiichiro Oyama, Rüdiger Bohn, Gheorghe Costin, Olivier Cuendet and Günther Herbig. She participated to the Academy in 2005.

Violaine DESPEYROUX / 1995 / France
In 2014, she won the 2nd prize of the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition. She has been invited to perform as a soloist or chamber musician all over Europe. In 2017, she founded the Quatuor Daphnis.

Karolina ERRERA-PAVON / 1993 / Russia
She won the International Bashmet Competition, and is a frequent guest at chamber music courses and festivals. Karolina has participated in the Academy since 2015.

Johannes MOEHRLE / 2001 / Swiss
He is a member of the German youth orchestra and the Verbier festival junior orchestra. He was semi-finalist of the 2017 Brahms competition.

【Cello】
Bumjun KIM / 1994 / France
Winner of the Banque Populaire and Safran Foundations, he is now part of the Karajan Academy in the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also co-founder and member of the Amano Quartet.

Maciej KULAKOWSKI / 1996 / Poland
He won the 1st and the special prize at the Xe Witold Lutosławski International Cello Competition in Warsaw and was laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels.

Jonathan ROOZEMAN / 1997 / Finland
Student of Frans Helmerson at the Kronberg Academy. At 17, he reached the finals of the Tchaïkovsky Competition. He has performed in most European countries, in North America and in the Far East.

Darima TCYREMPILOVA / 1991 / Russia
Student of Marc Coppey at CNSM in Paris. In 2016, she won the Knushevitsky International Competition. She has participated in the Academy since 2016.

Hsing-Han TSAI / 1991 / Taïwan
Since September 2017, she is in residence at the Academy of the Opéra National de Paris. Participates at Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy Okushiga and Seiji Ozawa Music Academy. Joins Saito Kinen Orchestra for the first time this year.