Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

Seiji Ozawa

Japanese Conductor of the Boston Symphony and the Vienna State Opera

"I think that there is a line that begins before our life here, intersects it and continues after we exist. Chance certainly plays a part in our lives, but it is chance with a purpose."

"It?s a great surprise to me -- a good surprise ... In China I know they have an appetite to do classical music, but the standard was low until five years ago. Now, boom, something happened, because all the good people are young, like 17, 18 or 19. They were not around five years ago."

"Japan has always imported high-level opera productions from Italy, Vienna or Paris and I thought it's about time we create one here."

"That?s good, but try to enjoy yourself a bit more. Dance, dance."

"The members feel like this is a kind of second home ... There are many things happening in this one month. It?s wonderful, the connections with local people. Not necessarily music-lovers, but families invite the players to restaurants or other special events."