The 680th Subscription Concert 2026.October.17（Sat）17:00～
/ October.18（Sun）13:00～ Sapporo Concert Hall; Kitara

© Y.Fujii

川瀬 賢太郎＜正指揮者＞（指揮）

Born in Tokyo in 1984 and graduated with a degree in conducting from the Tokyo College of Music in 2007, having studied under Junichi Hirokami, Yasuhiko Shiozawa and others. Was awarded 2nd place (which was the highest level with no 1st place) at the Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting in 2006, and since then KAWASE has received invitations to conduct Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra among others. He was also the assistant conductor of Pacific Music Festival (2007～2009). Currently Kawase is the Resident Conductor of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, Permanent Conductor of Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and Goodwill Ambassador of Inabe-city, Mie.(as of April 2024)

© YOSUKE SUZUKI

Makoto OZONE（piano）

A globally acclaimed pianist and composer known for his unique approach that transcends the boundaries of jazz and classical music.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he launched his international jazz career by performing with Gary Burton, earning a Grammy nomination. Over the years, he has collaborated with legendary artists such as Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker, establishing a solid presence in the jazz scene. Beyond jazz, he has also gained high recognition in the classical music world, performing with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Through unique projects that explore the coexistence of jazz and classical music, he has continued to push musical boundaries. He was selected as a recipient of the “Chopin Passport,” an honor granted to those dedicated to sharing Chopin’s music with the world.
In recent years, in addition to his own musical explorations, he has been deeply involved in nurturing young jazz musicians. Since 2022, he has been spearheading From Ozone till Dawn, a project dedicated to discovering and supporting the next generation of artists, providing them with opportunities to thrive on the international stage. Currently, he is actively involved in multiple projects, including trifinity, a group formed with musicians he has mentored, No Name Horses, a big band celebrating its 20th anniversary, and performing as a classical soloist with world-renowned orchestras. His engagements span major global jazz festivals such as Melbourne and Montreux, as well as prestigious classical music festivals like the Ravinia Festival and the Chopin Festival.
What sets him apart is his ability to incorporate improvisation based on structural interpretation, instantly drawing out the essence and potential of each piece. His fresh perspectives infuse every performance with originality, creating a unique swing that captivates audiences. By balancing deep respect for the beauty of original compositions with his own striking passion, he has earned widespread acclaim as a groundbreaking musical interpreter on the world stage.