Every year since 1992, the Saito Kinen Orchestra has performed in a special musical festival dedicated to its namesake, the late Hideo Saito. Saito was born in 1902, and throughout his life he was a driving force in the development of Western classical music, its appreciation, and its performance in Japan. The orchestra that carries on his name is world-renowned and was conducted by the late Seiji Ozawa until 2023. The orchestra continues to perform with a new conductor and with the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival as its annual showcase. Further information on the festival, including past years’ programs and a detailed biography of Mr. Saito, is available at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival homepage.
