Around the Music Festival

Herbert Bromstedt, who celebrated 90 years old last July, received Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. What the Japanese government issued on 29th. Bromstedt served as Honorary Conductor Laureate of the NHK Symphony Orchestra since 2016 and was recognized to contribute to the improvement and development of the music culture in Japan. As the conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, in 1986, another Honorary Conductor Laureate Wolfgang Sawallisch (1923 – 2013) received the same medal.

Bromstedt is a Swedish conductor born in the United States and has served as the principal conductor of prestigious orchestras. Principal Conductor of Staatskapelle Dresden (1975 – 1985), Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (1985 – 1995), Principal Conductor of NDR Sinfonieorchester Hamburg (1995 – 1998), Principal Conductor of Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (From 1998 2005) etc. Since the beginning of the 2010s, opportunities to Conduct the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra are increasing.

The relationship between Japan and Bromstedt started after coming to Japan for the first time in 1973 accompanied by Staatskapelle Dresden of the East German era. First time collaboration with the NHK Symphony Orchestra was in 1981, he has conducted more than 150 performances so far, has served as Conductor Emeritus since 1986, and Honorary Conductor Laureate from 2016. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, he also conducts charity concerts for reconstruction assistance.

In response to NHK’s interview, Bromstedt said, “I was very surprised, I have received medals from countries such as Denmark and Sweden, but initially I could not believe this was something I feel very honored The orchestra is like my family, both of whom love music and can unite by dealing with improvements.The Japanese musicians are high quality and there are techniques.They understand the work well And they will play with emotion.”

Photo：Martin U.K.Lengemann