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(Seiji Ozawa; Wikimedia Commons)
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The world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa died of heart failure on Tuesday at the age of 88. The news was announced by his management on Friday. 

In 1959, the Japanese-born maestro won first prize at an international competition for young conductors in France.

Ozawa spent time studying with the renowned Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan in Germany before he caught the attention of American maestro Leonard Bernstein. This paved the way for him to become assistant conductor at the New York Philharmonic in 1961.

From there, an illustrious career saw Ozawa lead orchestras across North America, including the New York Philharmonic, the San Fransisco Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and, most famously, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 

From 1973-2002, Ozawa served as music director of the BSO, longer than any other conductor in the orchestra's 128-year history. 

Ozawa was founder and artistic director of Japan's music and opera festival -- the Saito Kinen Festival and also served as musical director of the Vienna State Opera from 2002 to 2010 and was artistic driector and founder of the Saito Kinen Festival in Japan.  

Ozawa's accolades and awards were many, including: two Emmys for his television work with the BSO, a 2016 Grammy award, Person of Cultural Merit and Order of Culture bestowed by the Japanese government, and member of the International Music Council. 

A private funeral was held earlier in the week, attended by close relatives. 

Condolences continue to pour in over social media. 

 

 

 

 

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