Musician. Born in Tokyo, Japan, he was a prominent Japanese conductor, and Percussionist. He studied at the Instrumental Music Department of the Tokyo University of Fine Arts, made his conducting debut in September 1956 with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and was appointed its conductor in 1963. Honoured in Japan in 1969 with the position of Chief Conductor for life of the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation's NHK Orchestra and toured China, South-East Asia, the USSR, South America, the United States, Australia and Europe with it. In 1973 he was appointed conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra where he remained for over 30 years, a record term. In 1987 he was appointed Conductor Laureate. His contributions to the Australian musical scene resulted in appointment as honorary Member of the Order of Australia in 1985, and then to Officer. In 1990, France made him an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. In 1996, the Emperor of Japan conferred on him the Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon. Known affectionately as "premiere maniac," on New Year's eve of 2004 he conducted a nine-hour performance of all nine Beethoven symphonies. Also a noted author, he won the Japan Essayist Club Award in 1991. A passionte musician, his last performance was conducted from a wheel chair.
Musician. Born in Tokyo, Japan, he was a prominent Japanese conductor, and Percussionist. He studied at the Instrumental Music Department of the Tokyo University of Fine Arts, made his conducting debut in September 1956 with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and was appointed its conductor in 1963. Honoured in Japan in 1969 with the position of Chief Conductor for life of the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation's NHK Orchestra and toured China, South-East Asia, the USSR, South America, the United States, Australia and Europe with it. In 1973 he was appointed conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra where he remained for over 30 years, a record term. In 1987 he was appointed Conductor Laureate. His contributions to the Australian musical scene resulted in appointment as honorary Member of the Order of Australia in 1985, and then to Officer. In 1990, France made him an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. In 1996, the Emperor of Japan conferred on him the Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon. Known affectionately as "premiere maniac," on New Year's eve of 2004 he conducted a nine-hour performance of all nine Beethoven symphonies. Also a noted author, he won the Japan Essayist Club Award in 1991. A passionte musician, his last performance was conducted from a wheel chair.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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