Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland said Tuesday that the Japanese conductor has decided not to participate in this year's lessons starting June 22, saying he has caught the flu.
A source familiar with the matter said Ozawa hopes to be fully ready for his performance at this summer's Saito Kinen Festival, where Ozawa serves as general director. The event is scheduled for Aug. 12 to Sept. 7 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
Ozawa took part in the lessons in 2011 at the namesake academy in Rolle, Switzerland. He did not join in 2012 due to health reasons. As was the case last year, Kazuki Yamada will replace him, according to the academy.