Following the death of Seiji Ozawa, a world-famous conductor, on the 6th of this month, condolences were also heard from junior high schools in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, with which they had continued exchanges for nearly 40 years, including holding concerts conducted by Mr. Ozawa. Ta.
Seiji Ozawa, whose hobby was skiing, often visited places such as Okushiga Kogen in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, and continued to interact with the locals.
Since 1986, a concert has been held once a year at Yamanouchi Junior High School in the town, with young musicians performing under the direction of Mr. Ozawa.
At the concert, it was customary for all the students to perform a chorus to express their gratitude to Mr. Ozawa and his students, and to sing the school song under Mr. Ozawa's direction.
In 2015, the ``OZAWA ROOM'' was set up in the school building to display items related to Mr. Ozawa, including photographs, colored paper, and autographed skis.
Mr. Ozawa's last visit to the school was in 2017, seven years ago, due to his poor health, but the concerts continued and Mr. Ozawa also sent messages to the school each time.
Chika Yamaguchi, principal of Yamanouchi Junior High School, mourned Ozawa's death and said, ``I am beyond disappointed and feel like I have lost a great support.It was a happy time to be able to listen to world-class music up close.'' He expressed his desire to continue holding concerts, saying, ``I believe that continuing this happy time will embody Mr. Ozawa's wishes.''