Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

in Tokyo, Japan

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Kazushi Ono is a renowned Japanese conductor who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born on October 9, 1960, in Hiroshima, Japan, Ono grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer, and his mother was a pianist. Ono started playing the piano at a young age and showed a keen interest in music. He went on to study at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he majored in conducting. Ono's career as a conductor began in 1984 when he won the first prize at the 35th Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors in France. This win opened doors for him, and he was soon invited to conduct major orchestras around the world. In 1988, he made his debut with the Orchestre National de France, and in 1992, he conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time. Ono's talent and hard work paid off, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting conductors of his generation. He was appointed as the principal conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra in 1992, a position he held until 1998. During his tenure, he led the orchestra on several successful tours and recordings, including a critically acclaimed recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 9. In 1998, Ono was appointed as the music director of the La Monnaie opera house in Brussels, Belgium. This was a significant milestone in his career, as it marked his first appointment as a music director. During his tenure, he led the opera house to new heights, with critically acclaimed productions of works by Mozart, Wagner, and Verdi. He also collaborated with renowned directors such as Peter Sellars and Luc Bondy, and his productions were praised for their innovative and thought-provoking approach. Ono's success at La Monnaie led to further appointments as a music director. In 2002, he was appointed as the music director of the Opéra de Lyon in France, a position he held until 2008. During his tenure, he led the opera house to new heights, with critically acclaimed productions of works by Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky. He also collaborated with renowned directors such as Robert Wilson and Peter Stein, and his productions were praised for their visual and musical beauty. Ono's success as a conductor has not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2004, he was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, in recognition of his contribution to the arts. In 2008, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government, in recognition of his contribution to the cultural life of Japan. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Japanese government, in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture. Ono's career continues to thrive, and he is in demand as a guest conductor with major orchestras around the world. He has conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. He is also a regular guest conductor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he has conducted productions of works by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini. In addition to his work as a conductor, Ono is also a composer. He has written several works for orchestra, including a symphony and a piano concerto.

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