Director Seiji Ozawa's long time friend John Williams came to Japan for the first time since 1993. Seiji’s long-awaited dream of co-starring with John Williams finally came true today.
As soon as the concert program was announced in February this year, there was an immediate huge response. For the first time in the festival's history, advance ticket sales were made by lottery, and the overall application rate was 14 times higher. The auditorium was filled with anticipation even before the performance began, marking the beginning of the last orchestral performance of the summer.
In the first half, two pieces related to Japan were conducted by Maestro Stéphane Denève. Mo. Denève who is well trusted by Mo. John Williams, conducted the gala concert celebrating Mo. John Williams' 90th birthday. It opened with "Sound the Bells", which was composed to commemorate the marriage of Prince Naruhito Princess Masako (at the time), and "Tributes! (For Seiji)", which was written to celebrate the quarter-century artistic collaboration between Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. “Distant Earth” Suite, and “E.T.”' followed raising expectations for the second half.
The appearance of Mo. John Williams on stage inflamed the audience. “Superman March” was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience!
Mo.Williams spoke to the audience about his return to Japan after 30 years and the joy of re-uniting with beloved friend and the Director Seiji Ozawa. Cellist Sumire Kudo translated the message for the Japanese audience.
"Schindler's List" theme was played with Yasushi Toyoshima’s melancholic violin solo. Songs from “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” were also played. The auditorium was filled with emotions. After the encores of "Yoda's Theme," "Raiders' March," and "Imperial March," the audience gave a long standing ovation for Mo.Williams and SKO.
Director Ozawa also appeared during endless curtain calls. Mo. John Williams, Mo. Stéphane Denève and SKO members appeared on the stage with the customary prefectural flower, gentian. Never ending enthusiastic and warm applause erupted from both the stage and the audience commented on the success of the performance. Thank you everyone who came to today!
Tomorrow, September 3rd, special screen concerts of the performance will be held at two locations in Matsumoto City. Free admission to the screen concert at Matsumoto Castle Park. Please experience the exciting performance yourself!
“I’m so pleased to have been able to return to Japan after so many years. Performing my music with the brilliant Saito Kinen Orchestra and most importantly reuniting with my dear friend Seiji Ozawa has been, for me, the honor of a lifetime.”
─ John Williams
“Thank you John for coming to Matsumoto.
My dream of you conducting and experiencing the SKO came true. I feel so fortunate and happy. It was wonderful. Thank you!”
─ Seiji Ozawa
