Kurt Redel (1918–2013) was a renowned German conductor and flautist, recognized for his work in Baroque and Classical music.
He founded the Munich Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra in 1953, gaining acclaim for his stylistically authentic interpretations and extensive recordings of J.S. Bach and other composers.
In 1991, he co-founded the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society with Naoki Sugiyama, conducting numerous concerts in Japan.
From 1996 to 2005, he led conducting masterclasses annually in Japan, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary, with Sugiyama as his assistant.
Redel’s legacy as a conductor and educator continues to influence generations of musicians.
Purpose of the Masterclass:
The Conducting Masterclass 2026 by the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society will be held from May 2 to May 8, 2026, at Saitama Arts Theatre in Northern Tokyo. Lessons will be conducted with piano (2 or 4 hands, or 2 pianos), ensemble, and orchestra.
The Masterclass offers young conductors the opportunity to work with experienced faculty and a professional chamber orchestra. It is open to conductors of orchestras, brass bands, and choirs, with no age limit.
It is also open to those who wish to begin studying conducting. Essential instructions for orchestral conducting will be provided by the faculty.
Purpose of the Kurt Redel Conducting Competition:
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Masterclass, a conducting competition will be held to honor its founder, Kurt Redel. All participants will perform in the Qualifying Round, after which they will be assigned to either Closing Concert 1 or the Gala Concert based on the results.
If selected to conduct in Closing Concert 1, participants will receive up to 75 minutes of conducting time with the orchestra.
If selected to conduct in the Gala Concert, participants will receive up to 120 minutes (First Prize) or 95 minutes (Second and ThirdPrize) of conducting time, including rehearsals.
Each participant will have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra in one of the closing concerts. Those chosen as conductors for the Gala Concert will conduct an entire work from the assigned repertoire.
Faculty
Naoki Sugiyama (Japan)
Languages: Japanese, English, German
Orchestra
The Symphonic Academy Orchestra of Japanese German Philharmonic Society
Dates: May 2–May 8, 2026
Selected Repertoire
Each participant must choose at least 2 pieces.
Assigned Repertoire:
Each participants must prepare at least 3 pieces of the assigned repertoire listed above.
Fees:
Apply and payment by September 30. 2025 to take advantage of the early bird rate.
The Bank Account details and the amount will be announced after application.
Application:
Please use the contact form below.
Please fill in the form below with your full name, email address, and write “Conducting Masterclass 2026 – Application to Participate" or “Application to Observe" in the subject field.
Please include the following information in the message field: nationality, age, and briefly describe your musical background (school, instruments, experience in conducting, teachers, etc. and submit the form (applications by fax are not accepted).
We will then inform you of the bank account details. Please transfer the full participation fee if you wish to participate, or the observer fee for the number of days you plan to attend, by bank transfer.
The date on which the participation fee is received will be regarded as the official application date.