Boston Symphony Orchestra honoring Seiji Ozawa in its 75th Tanglewood season

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LENOX, Mass. — The Boston Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th season at its summer home in Tanglewood by awarding its first medal to Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa.

The BSO says Ozawa is being honored for his 29-year tenure as the orchestra's music director and his "incredible commitment to the life and vitality at Tanglewood."

Ozawa is an icon in the classical music world. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2010 and had back surgery to repair herniated disks the following year.

The Tanglewood Medal will be presented to Ozawa in absentia at the July 14 Gala Celebration. He will deliver a video message at the concert.

Ozawa released a brief statement thanking the BSO for "this great honor of the first Tanglewood Medal."