Kazushi Ono

Photo: Akihito Abe

Kazushi Ono

Born in 1960 in Tokyo, and a graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, Kazushi Ono is a conductor. He has served as music director of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, general music director at the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, music director of the Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie in Brussels, principal conductor at Opéra National de Lyon, music director at the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, and music director at the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. He currently serves as Artistic Director of Opera at the New National Theatre, Tokyo (a post he has held since 2018), music director of the Brussels Philharmonic, and artistic advisor to the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Ono has conducted numerous operas at major opera houses and music festivals around the world and is acclaimed for his clear and vibrant musicality; he is particularly trusted with the premieres of new works. His many honors include the Japan Art Academy Prize, the Suntory Music Award, the Asahi Prize, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.