Soichi Katsuta (BSO cello, 1966-1967, exchange with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra) oral history interview: Katsuta, Soichi, interviewee (Side A); Kohnosuke Ono (BSO viola 1966-1967, exchange with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra) oral history interview: Ono, Kohnosuke, interviewee (Side B), June 9, 1993; June 11, 1993, 2023-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

Cassette 39: Oral history conducted by Robert Ripley on June 9, 1993 (Side A); Oral history conducted by Robert Ripley on June 11, 1993 (Side B).

PARTIAL TRANSCRIPT

Tape 39, Side A

Interviewer: Bob Ripley Interviewee: Soichi Katsuta Date: June 9, 1993 Location: Tokyo, Japan

0:06 INTERVIEW BEGINS

1:09-5:24 early life, born in Japan; father was a musician and encouraged him to play from age 9; took classes with SUZUKI (not of the "Suzuki method") through high school

5:24-8:57 went to Toho College of Music while in high school; had to audition to get entry to the college; attended for seven years including time during high school; played in Japan Philharmonic as a substitute while still in school

9:03-11:20 Personal life and siblings; supportive family; encountered Western music in Japan already

11:20-14:45 discussion of the logistics of setting up the exchange; met LEINSDORF and played for him in Japan

14:45-16:53 English language learning and good English speaking when eh arrived in Boston; played in student program at Tanglewood; had heard BSO play in Japan in 1960 while directed by MUNCH; first impressions of Tanglewood was that everything was very new, adjusting to chamber music; arrived in Boston and had to find a place to live, support from MOYER

16:53-19:49 first performance was impressive; demonstrated clearly that he belonged there; positive reflections on the exchange experience; surprised by how personable the orchestra was; friendship with ONO; experience as a single man traveling; trips to New York, Chicago

19:49-21:39 experience playing with the Pops; had to learn the music; made recordings and played solos with the Pops

21:39-22:23 return home to Japan after the Pops; both himself and his playing changed because of the experience;

22:24-26:17 came back to Boston and studied at the New England Conservatory with Jules ESKIN

26:17-27:25 auditioned for the the St Louis Symphony with recommendation from John SANT AMBROGIO

27:30-30:11 returned to Japan in 1970, but the Orchestra was struggling, so could not rejoin; became a teacher at Toho, Tokyo College of Music, Osaka College of Music

30:11-31:34 marriage and children; reflections on Bob's visit

31:34-40:12 performed on the cello for the Japanese crown prince and his wife at a resort in Karuizawa; was invited to play for them repeatedly afterwards; gave lessons on the cello to the emperor

40:19-43:35 positive reflections on the exchange program; would like to bring it back; reflections on the significant audience for orchestra music in Tokyo today

43:36 INTERVIEW CONCLUDES

Tape 39, Side B

Interviewer: Bob Ripley Interviewee: Kohnosuke Ono Date: June 11, 1993 Location: Tokyo, Japan

0:09 INTERVIEW BEGINS

1:23-4:24 early life, born in 1936 near Hiroshima; father played oboe and taught him violin as a child; brother also played violin but became a doctor instead; an orchestra nearby needed a viola player instead of a violin

4:24-5:27 went to Kunitachi Music University in Tokyo for four years; played with ABC Symphony Orchestra after school; then Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, then Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in 1965

5:27-8:34 exchange program initiated by Boston; selected by WATANABE; found the selection surprising, and nerve-wracking as he was afraid of airplanes; auditioned for LEINSDORF when he visited Japan

8:34-9:18 arrived in summer 1966; went to Tanglewood first, then to BSO in September; Bill MOYER assisted with apartment search

9:30-18:55 first rehearsal with LEINSDORF; enjoyed travel to New York and experiences performing with and recording with the BSO; memories of Sam DIAMOND, SILVERMAN, PIETROPAOLO, OSTROVSKY; experiences in and impressions of Boston; struggled with language; very impressed with the BSO [15:39-18:47 comments on the BSO in Japanese]

18:55-20:28 reflections on LEINSDORF; liked his personality, felt he was very gentle and kind; reflections on FIEDLER and the Pops

20:28-22:22 played Pops style music after returning to Japan, but not before; played a solo in the Pops; had to learn the music then, but now plays all by memory

22:22-24:47 returned to the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra after time in Boston; BSO felt like a dream; the prince is a fan of Kohnosuke's, has invited him to the palace to play for the prince there

24:47-26:08 stayed with JPSO only one year, left as things became difficult; spent a lot of time recording to make money

26:08-27:20 introduced to wife by friends before he went to Boston; she was a dental hygenist; personal life and children; but children did not take up music

27:20-29:23 continues to record solos; teaches violin; does occasional recitals; has returned to the US only once since when auditioning for the BSO

29:36 INTERVIEW CONCLUDES