Stéphane Denève returns to Japan to conduct the Saito Kinen Orchestra in three performances at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival on the 25 and 27 August, and 02 September. The programme for the first two concerts features Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite, John Williams’ Tuba Concerto, Poulenc’s Stabat Mater, and Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2. The programme for the final concert features the great works of John Williams, including Theme from Schindler’s List, Selections from Harry Potter and Star Wars, Sound the Bell!, and many more. Denève will conduct the first half of the concert, and the astounding composer Williams himself will conduct the second half.
On the 05 September, Denève, Williams and the Orchestra will reconvene at Suntory Hall for Deutsche Grammophon’s 125th Anniversary Special Gala Concert. The programme again features the magical works of John Williams, with Denève and Williams sharing the stage. More information and tickets are available here.
Denève, a long-time friend of Seiji Ozawa of whom he calls an inspiration, said in an interview with Bravo Magazine: “I’m looking forward to visiting Matsumoto again to participate in Seiji Ozawa’s festival, who I have admired since I was young. Since I was a child, I have been exposed to his conducting style, and many people are familiar with it…It’s like a dream to be able to work with him.”
Photo credit: SWR
