Ozawa overcomes flu to conduct BSO anniversary concert

By Daniel Vasquez, Globe Staff, 09/28/98

Concert review Ozawa's anniversary superbly uncommon Symphony fans flooded Boston Common Sunday to hear the free concert given by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. (Globe Photo / Dominic Chavez)

Seiji Ozawa overcame a lingering fever to inaugurate his silver anniversary season with the Boston Symphony Orchestra yesterday at a free concert that drew an estimated 80,000 fans to Boston Common.

Because Ozawa was felled by a flu that made him miss the season's first concert on Wednesday, speculation grew throughout the afternoon about whether he would appear. When Ozawa finally took the stage, the crowd was on its feet roaring in appreciation for the maestro, who conducted the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

In a surprising stretch of beach-going weather, a fever spread among the audience, too. Some concert-goers turned the afternoon into a romantic holiday on the sun-drenched Common.

Nancy Erhard hand-fed snacks to Christopher Johnson while the couple stretched out on a blanket and played Chinese checkers.

''No matter where you sit, the music is beautiful,'' said Johnson, 32, of Amesbury. ''We just came to relax, hear beautiful music and enjoy each other's company.''

From the extreme right of the stage, Johnson had to rely on the audio, since his spot offered no view. But a premium location for watching and listening was occupied by a 29-year-old man who identified himself only as Drew, who had the best vantage point at the makeshift concert hall.

The Common began filling with concert-goers hours before the 2 o'clock show, which featured the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra before Ozawa's appearance.

Sudip Bhattacharjee said he and his wife, Roji Menon, hoped Ozawa would make it, but would understand if health problems prevented him from conducting.

''It's his anniversary, so I'd like to see him make it,'' said Bhattacharjee. ''Whether he conducts or not makes no difference to us.''

The couple said they were in a mood to celebrate no matter what. It was the four-month anniversary of their marriage.

Attendees were treated to a short biographical film of the Manchurian-born maestro, learning that part of the reason Ozawa became a conductor rather than an instrumentalist was because he broke two fingers playing rugby as a young man.

Also, the audience was told that Ozawa's 25-year tenure with the BSO is the longest union of a maestro and a big-city symphony anywhere.

By late afternoon, a cool breeze swept across the sea of lounging listeners and purple commemorative balloons. The crowd erupted in cheers when officials announced that Ozawa would perform.

Backstage, Ozawa said he rarely takes ill, but when he does, it isn't a minor bout. The flu he contracted in Moscow, in fact, sent his fever up to 103 degrees.

Ozawa said he was determined not to sit out again.

''I make it,'' he said. ''I can't miss.''

This story ran on page B01 of the Boston Globe on 09/28/98.
© Copyright 1998 Globe Newspaper Company.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I N T E R A C T I V E
Send this story to a friend...		Is this story important?		Enter a search term: