Conductor Sado named Tokyo ward music ambassador

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:09 JST, June 21, 2022

TOKYO — Globally renowned conductor Yutaka Sado has assumed the post of “Sumida music ambassador” to support music activities in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.

“I want to energize the ward with music,” Sado said.

Sado, 61, studied under Seiji Ozawa and other conductors and has performed with prestigious orchestras, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris.

The ward office asked Sado to take up the post because he became the music advisor to the New Japan Philharmonic, which has its base at Sumida Triphony Hall in the ward. He assumed the ambassadorship in April.

In addition to teaching music classes and directing club activities at elementary and junior high schools in the ward, Sado has also been involved in planning commemorative events for Triphony Hall, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of its opening this year.

Sado is scheduled to become the music director for the New Japan Philharmonic next April. He said his affections for Sumida have grown as he has walked around the ward.

“I want to invite local people who have never listened to an orchestra to let them experience the charm of music firsthand,” Sado said at a press conference on May 24.