Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Japan

Birth

:

March 25, 1961 in Kobe, Japan

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Makoto Ozone is a renowned Japanese jazz pianist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on March 25, 1961, in Kobe, Japan, Ozone began playing the piano at the age of two. His father, who was a jazz drummer, introduced him to jazz music at a young age, and he quickly developed a passion for it. Ozone's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he began performing in public at the age of six. He studied classical music at the Osaka College of Music and later at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in jazz composition and performance. Ozone's career as a professional musician began in the early 1980s when he joined the Gary Burton Quartet as a pianist. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and was soon performing with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker. In addition to his work in jazz, Ozone has also made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He has composed numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo piano, and his compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Pops, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of Ozone's most notable works is his Piano Concerto, which was commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1997. The concerto, which was premiered by Ozone and the Boston Pops under the direction of Keith Lockhart, is a virtuosic showcase for the piano and features Ozone's signature blend of jazz and classical influences. Another notable work by Ozone is his Suite for Piano and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra in 2002. The suite, which was premiered by Ozone and the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Harding, is a tribute to the music of Duke Ellington and features Ozone's unique blend of jazz and classical styles. In addition to his work as a composer, Ozone is also a highly sought-after performer and has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has also recorded numerous albums as a solo artist and with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker. Ozone's unique blend of jazz and classical influences has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans around the world. His music is characterized by its virtuosity, technical brilliance, and emotional depth, and his compositions and performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. In recognition of his contributions to the world of music, Ozone has received numerous awards and honors, including the Japan Jazz Award, the Jazz Journalists Association Award, and the Steinway Artist Award. He is also a member of the prestigious Yamaha Artist Roster and has been featured in numerous publications, including DownBeat, JazzTimes, and The New York Times. In conclusion, Makoto Ozone is a highly talented and accomplished musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His unique blend of jazz and classical influences has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans around the world, and his compositions and performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....