Seiji Ozawa, 87, in tears conducting outer-space Beethoven concert | Classic FM

Legendary conductor Seiji Ozawa, 87, was left in tears following a performance of Beethoven’s ’Egmont’ Overture which was broadcast live to outer space, for astronaut Koichi Wakata on the International Space Station – as part of the One Earth mission. Ozawa returned for the first time in four years to lead the Saito Kinen Orchestra, in a world-first performance given in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). “I believe that this project will give us courage and hope for those of us who live in difficult times,” Ozawa said in a statement. “Music has the power to connect people’s hearts, transcending language, borders, races, and the atmosphere. “I am very much looking forward to meeting Mr. Wakata, who is now in space. I wonder what music sounds like in space.” Subscribe: - Visit the Classic FM website - Listen to Classic FM Classic FM Playlists -Classic FM | Discover Instruments: -Classic FM | Sessions: -Classic FM | Explains: -Classic FM Hall Of Fame | Top 10: Classic FM on socials - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - TikTok @classicfm