Kazushi Ono (born March 4, 1960 in Tokyo, Japan) is a renowned Japanese conductor known for his exceptional mastery of opera and symphony music. Considered one of Asia's leading maestros, his artistry has captivated audiences around the world.

Kazushi Ono was educated at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he honed his conducting skills. He continued to develop his experience in Europe, attending the Chigi Academy in Siena, Italy, and studying under the renowned Wolfgang Zavallisch in Munich.

In the 1990s, Kazushi Ono made his European debut as an assistant conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. After that, he began a career as a conductor in German opera houses, gaining recognition for his interpretations of Wagner, Verdi and contemporary music.

From 2002 to 2008, Kazushi Ono served as Chief Conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2008, he became the musical director of the National Opera of Lyon, where he became known for his innovative productions of Wagner, Verdi and contemporary works of opera.

Kazushi Ono is currently the principal conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra. His musical style is known for its analytical approach, clarity and balance between orchestra and vocalists. His repertoire spans a wide range of music, including Japanese classics such as Toru Takemitsu, European classics such as Beethoven and Mahler, and operas such as The Ring of the Nibelung and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.

Kazushi Ono has received numerous awards, including the Suntory Music Award in 1996 and the Japan Cultural Award. He has recorded numerous CDs, including Bruckner symphonies and Puccini operas, with well-known labels such as Decca and Harmonia Mundi.

Known for his self-restraint and hard work, Kazushi Ono divides his time between Japan and Europe, actively promoting cultural exchange through music. His talent serves as a bridge between Asian and Western musical traditions, opening up new perspectives for both audiences and performers around the world.

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