John Williams & SKO – John William In Tokyo (Bluray)
John Williams was invited to Japan by his good friend Ozawa to conduct the Saito Kinen Orchestra – Ozawa’s “musical family” – so the realisation of the two concerts in Matsumoto and Tokyo was a landmark moment – not only for the pair, but for music fans around the world. Ozawa said of the occasion: “This special collaboration between them in Matsumoto and Tokyo was a joy that genuinely defies expression – my longstanding dream has finally come true!” The feeling was reciprocated by John Williams: “It was a joy to return to Japan after 30 years to visit my dear friend and longtime musical colleague Seiji Ozawa and to conduct his brilliant Saito Kinen Orchestra for the very first time.”
The concerts took place in September 2023, following Williams’ recent performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles. He conducted the Saito Kinen Orchestra at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, a music festival directed by Seiji Ozawa, and a gala concert at Suntory Hall in Tokyo celebrating the 125th anniversary of Deutsche Grammophon. Both concerts sold out in minutes.
