Kennedy center honors 2015 seiji ozawa biography

Seiji Ozawa helped change the image of classical music in the 1970s. His untraditional look and conducting style attracted new audiences — much like one of his mentors, Leonard Bernstein.

Ozawa led the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 29 years, making him the longest-serving music director in BSO history.

His contribution to American culture is being recognized this weekend with a Kennedy Center honor. He'll be in Washington, D.C., for the star-studded gala, where he'll sit with President Obama and fellow celebrated artists Carole King, George Lucas, Rita Moreno and Cicely Tyson.

Ozawa stopped in Boston on his way from his home in Japan to D.C., where he caught up with old friends and colleagues at Symphony Hall.

A New Type Of Conductor

Ozawa made a huge splash when he joined the BSO in 1973.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says the appointment was exciting and daring.

"He had long h