Obituary of Conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama
January 26, 2025 – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama due to pneumonia.
Mr. Akiyama was a devoted disciple of the esteemed educator Hideo Saito, studying alongside Seiji Ozawa, Director of the Festival. He deeply embraced and carried forward Saito’s teachings. In September 1984, marking the 10th anniversary of their mentor’s passing, Mr. Akiyama and his elder colleague Ozawa gathered over 100 musicians from around the world who had studied under Saito to perform a memorial concert. This concert became the catalyst for the creation of the Saito Kinen Orchestra (SKO), which later formed the foundation of the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival (formerly the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto).
After the 1984 Hideo Saito Memorial Concert, Mr. Akiyama collaborated with the SKO on various notable occasions, including European tours in 1987 and 1989, 1993 performance with the Wind and Brass Ensemble of the Saito Kinen Orchestra, and the 2004 “Hideo Saito Memorial Concert.” His final collaboration with the SKO came in 2018 after a 14-year hiatus, during which he conducted a French program featuring works by Ibert, Debussy, Ravel, and Saint-Saëns.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Akiyama for his extraordinary contributions to the world of classical music and offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His dedication, artistry, and passion will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his work.
Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival Executive Committee
Aug. 31, 2018 Kissei Bunka Hall (Nagano-ken Matsumoto Bunka Kaikan)