為紀念指揮家小澤征爾的音樂人生與他對世界的貢獻,日本長野松本市與齋藤紀念管弦樂團攜手合作,在指揮家Nodoka Okisawa(冲泽のどか)帶領下,於17日晚間舉辦特別的音樂會,以「向指揮家小澤征爾致敬:慶祝Seiji的一生」為題,演奏多首具特殊意義的曲目,帶觀眾重新了解小澤征爾的一生,現場包括日本長野縣知事阿部守一、松本市市長臥雲義尚,以及小澤征爾的女兒小澤征良皆上台致詞,談論他們記憶中的小澤征爾。
主辦單位也對媒體表示,眾人並不認為小澤征爾已離去,因此音樂會並不採用懷念、追思等字樣,而是選擇以慶祝小澤征爾的音樂人生為主題策劃這場音樂會。
小澤征良表示,每當樂團一演奏,她就感覺回到和父親還在的日子,「雖然人去世後就不能見面了,但齋藤紀念管弦樂團和爸爸不是這麼一回事,當樂團一演奏,我就像能看見父親和他們一起同台的畫面,我感謝這樣的奇蹟。今晚的感謝會,最重要的是要感謝父親,還有為了音樂節忙了一整年的人,還有常年幫父親醫治的醫生們。我爸即使是坐在輪椅上,在指揮齋藤紀念管弦樂團時,都非常自由。」
松本市市長、松本音樂節執行委員會執行委員長臥雲義尚表示,他代表市民感謝小澤征爾,「共有三件事要感謝,一是1992年選了在松本舉行音樂節,這個選擇可被稱作是『奇蹟』的幸福選擇;第二個感謝是2015 音樂節名稱改為『小澤征爾松本音樂節』,讓世界級大師和松本連結在一起,向全世界宣傳城市;三是感謝小澤征爾在去世前,聘用Nodoka Okisawa擔任首席客席指揮,傳承了他的指揮棒。」
臥雲義尚表示,小澤征爾以前在松本音樂節時,也會到超市買東西,或是出現在松本市內的餐廳商店,深受市民喜愛,「32年持續至今的音樂節,未來也一定會持續邁向新時代,在場的大家以及看轉播的大家,我們會延續小澤征爾的音樂、熱情與精神,再次感謝他,也希望他能夠繼續守護這個音樂節。」
長野縣知事、松本音樂節執行委員會名譽會長阿部守一表示,他由衷感謝小澤征爾,在現場的觀眾或是參與音樂節的民眾,都能感受到小澤征爾的音樂與活力,「小澤征爾先生,長久以來真的感謝你。1992年開始的音樂節,你邀請來最棒的音樂家,把全世界的樂迷都帶來松本跟長野縣,再次致上敬意跟感謝。2005年,小澤對我說過:『我在做音樂,而且現在也想要一直做音樂。』長久以來有34萬名學生聽過音樂會。2021年,小澤對我說 :『OMF的音樂會跟歌劇都很重要,之後就多拜託你了。』沒有人能取代小澤總監督,但音樂節的大家都會努力認真進行下去。」
阿部守一表示,1998年,長野縣舉辦冬季奧運,小澤聯合全世界指揮貝九,2022年小澤第一次把音樂直送到宇宙,「『音樂不論年紀、國界、性別,都能統合全世界的人』,小澤是用這樣的信念往前走著,並期望世界和平,松本音樂節是小澤留下的寶藏,我們會好好珍惜。用再多的感謝都無法形容。」語畢阿部守一也再次對小澤征爾的照片鞠躬,並表示:「長久以來真的謝謝你。」
其他小澤征爾相關活動明(18日)天起,在松本城前還有千人管樂遊行,以及松本市美術館舉辦的特別攝影展「小澤征爾-在松本的日子」等,市區內各處也有紀念旗幟與留言板。
A Tribute to Maestro Seiji Ozawa: Celebrating a Life Dedicated to Music
小澤征爾総監督 感謝の会-その生涯を祝福して-
On the evening of August 17, Matsumoto City, Japan, in collaboration with the Saito Kinen Orchestra, held a special concert to honor the late Maestro Seiji Ozawa. Conducted by Maestro Nodoka Okisawa, the event featured a program of music chosen to reflect Ozawa's profound influence on the world of classical music.
The concert, titled "A Tribute to Maestro Seiji Ozawa: Celebrating a Life Dedicated to Music," drew distinguished guests including Nagano Governor Morikazu Abe, Matsumoto Mayor Yoshihisa Gumo, and Ozawa's daughter, Seira Ozawa. Each speaker shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude for Ozawa's enduring legacy.
Seira Ozawa remarked, "Every time I hear the orchestra play, I feel like I'm back with my father. Even though we can't see him anymore, the Saito Kinen Orchestra and my father are different. When the orchestra plays, it's as if I can see him performing with them. I'm grateful for this miracle."
Matsumoto Mayor Yoshinao Gaun expressed his deep appreciation for Ozawa, stating, "There are three things we are grateful for. First, for choosing Matsumoto as the venue for the music festival in 1992. Second, for renaming the festival the 'Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival in 2015, connecting a world-class maestro with Matsumoto and promoting the city to the world. And third, for appointing Nodoka Okisawa as Principal Guest Conductor before his passing, ensuring the continuation of his musical legacy."
Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe also paid tribute to Ozawa, saying, "Ozawa invited the world's finest musicians to Matsumoto, bringing music lovers from around the globe to Nagano Prefecture. In 2005, he told me, 'I'm making music, and I want to continue making music.' He had an unwavering belief in the power of music to unite people, regardless of age, nationality, or gender."
In addition to the concert, various events are taking place throughout Matsumoto to commemorate Ozawa's life and career. These include a thousand-person wind ensemble parade, a special photo exhibition, and memorial displays across the city.
The organizers emphasized that the focus of the event was on celebrating Ozawa's life and music, rather than mourning his passing. By honoring his legacy, they aim to inspire future generations of musicians and continue the spirit of the Matsumoto Festival.