Seiji Ozawa has cancer, expects to conduct again after six months
Seiji Ozawa, one of the biggest names in classical music for decades, "said Thursday that he has esophageal cancer and will cancel his concerts for the next six months to focus on treatment," the New York Times reports.
The 74-year-old Japanese conductor will miss the final portion of his eight-year tenure as chief conductor of the Vienna State Opera, AP reports. His contract expires in June.
Ozawa's cancer was detected recently during a routine checkup. According to news accounts, the cancer has not spread.
At his press conference in Tokyo (see photo at left), the Times notes, Ozawa said: “I have no problems drinking and eating. I intend to be back in even less than six months.”
Ozawa led the Boston Symphony for 29 years and has conducted throughout the world. He'll miss more than two dozen conducting engagements in the months ahead.
AP Photo/Kyodo News
Comments
I am very sad that Maestro Ozawa is suffering fom cancer. I remember him when he first conducted in San Francisco, so young and deinty, and yet so powerful with the orchestra. I am a great fan of him, when he returned to San Francisco as guest conductor I was there. I will never forget the Berliotz Requiem he conducted in San Francisco, and I was fortunate enough to be in the chorus. He inspired us to no end.
After the concert we waited outsside the back stage door for him to come out in his kimono, and the chorus sang spontaneously Ozawa in excelsis, in stead of Osanna. I wish Maestro Osawa well, a speedy recovery and all the best to him and his family.
I great admiration
Sigrid Boehm
Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts here. TIM
Posted by: Sigrid Boehm | January 25, 2010 3:09 AM
I was so saddened to see that Seiji Ozawa was diagnosed with cancer. I hope by now he is recovering. We spent 25 years in the Berkshires and enjoyed seeing Maestro Ozawa conduct the BSO at Tanglewood. He is just amazing. We are looking forward to seeing him at Tanglewood this summer and hope he recovers and will be able to conduct.
Gerri Stiner
Posted by: Gerri Stiner | March 23, 2010 2:19 PM