Conductor Seiji Ozawa diagnosed with cancer

Acclaimed conductor Seiji Ozawa (74) has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, it was learned on Thursday. His management office announced that he is stepping down from all performances from now until June in order to undergo treatment.

The cancer was discovered at the end of last year during a regular medical examination. Because it is still in its early stages, Ozawa is planning to undergo surgery.

Ozawa served as musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1973 until 2002, when he became the first Japanese person appointed as musical director of the Vienna State Opera. Due to health problems, Ozawa was already scheduled to leave that position this June, to be succeeded by Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Most.

Source:
Sponichi Annex