Conducting Masterclass 2027

Japanese German Philharmonic Society

International Conducting Masterclass 2027


Study through Piano, Ensemble, and Orchestra Sessions

Master Competition and Entrance Exam Repertoire

through Practical Conducting with Full Symphony Orchestra

Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama

April 29 – May 7, 2027 (9 Days)
Saitama Arts Theater, Japan

The masterclass is open to conductors and instructors of orchestras, wind ensembles, and choirs, as well as students aspiring to be conductors and professional musicians. There are no restrictions regarding conducting experience, instrumental proficiency, educational background, or age. However, a fundamental knowledge of music theory (rudiments, basic harmony, and instrumentation) is required. Auditing is open to everyone.

Masterclass Overview:

The Japanese German Philharmonic Society Conducting Masterclass 2027 will be held from April 29 to May 7 at the Saitama Arts Theater.

Target Participants & Eligibility:
The program is designed for conductors of various ensembles, conducting students, and professional/amateur musicians. While there are no formal prerequisites for age or degree, participants must possess the following minimum musical knowledge:
1. Proficiency in reading Treble and Bass clefs.
2. Understanding of all major and minor key signatures.
3. Knowledge of note values and various time signatures.
4. Basic understanding of chord types, inversions (triads, 7th, 9th, diminished 7th, etc.), and cadences (T-D-T, T-S-T, T-S-D-T).

Applications for both active participants and auditors will be accepted starting June 1, 2025. Registration is processed in the order of payment received. Enrollment will close once the capacity is reached. Active participants receive approximately 15 to 25 minutes of podium time per day. The total time includes rehearsals and performances for the final closing concerts. Applications for auditing remain open until April 28, 2027.

Lesson with orchestra
Lessons with Orchestra

Venue: Saitama Arts Theater

Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama

Conductor / Chairman of the Japanese German Philharmonic Society. Former Guest Conductor of the Dohnányi Orchestra and Moravian Philharmonic.

Orchestra: Symphonische Akademie of the Japanese German Philharmonic Society

Orchestra
Symphonische Akademie
Lesson with piano
Lessons with Piano
Closing concert
Closing Concert

Repertoire:

1. Group A (Ensemble and small orchestra)
Haydn Sinfonia No.22 "The philosopher
Haydn Sinfonia No.26 "Lamentoso"
Stravinsky Suite "L'Histoire du soldat".

2. Group B (Wagner and R. Strauss)
"Prelude and Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde
"Siegfried's Funeral March" from Götterdämmerung
Tone Poem "Don Juan" Op. 20

3. Group C (Bruckner)
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8 in C minor (Haas)

All active participants are required to prepare all seven works listed above. When applying, please indicate your "1st Choice" and "2nd Choice" for the two works within each group (A, B).


Naoki Sugiyama
Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama (Japan)

Schedule: April 29 – May 7, 2027

  • Apr 29: 9:30–17:00 - Lessons with Piano/Ensemble
  • Apr 30: 9:30–17:00 - Lessons with Piano/Ensemble
  • May 1: 9:30–17:00 - Lessons with Piano/Ensemble
  • May 2: 9:30–17:00 - Lessons with Piano/Ensemble
  • May 3: 9:30–17:00 - Lessons with Piano/Ensemble
  • May 4: 9:30–12:30 - Orchestra Session 1
  • May 4: 14:00–17:00 - Orchestra Session 2
  • May 5: 9:30–12:30 - Orchestra Session 3
  • May 5: 14:00–17:00 - Orchestra Session 4
  • May 6: 14:00–17:00 - Rehearsal for Closing Concert
  • May 6: 18:00–21:00 - Closing Concert 1
  • May 7: 14:00–17:00 - Rehearsal for Closing Concert
  • May 7: 18:00–21:00 - Closing Concert 2
    • Takeshi Moriuchi
    Recommendation: Takeshi Moriuchi
    Conductor/Studienleiter at Oper Frankfurt (Germany), Kapellmeister/Repetiteur at Landestheater Linz (Austria).
    Matija Fortuna
    Recommendation: Matija Fortuna
    Lecturer at Zagreb Academy of Music, Guest Conductor at Rijeka Opera House, Lovro von Matačić Competition Finalist.

    Tuition Fees:

    Until June 30, 2026: 1,100 Euros
    Until Sep 30, 2026: 1,300 Euros
    Until Mar 31, 2027: 1,500 Euros
    Music Students (under 25): 800 Euros (Only 4 spots are available).

    Auditing Fees:

    60 Euros per a day / 300 Euros for all days.

    Cancellation Policy:

    Until Oct 31, 2026: Free
    Until Dec 31, 2026: 300 Euros
    From Jan 1, 2027: 100% of the tuition fee

    Please read the FAQ:

    https://www.nichidoku.net/conducting2026Q&A-J

    Application Process:

    Please fill out the form below. In the "subject" field, specify Conducting Masterclass 2027 "Active Participant" or "Auditor." In the "message" field, provide a brief musical CV. (Applications via FAX are not accepted).
    We will provide bank account details. Registration is complete upon receipt of the full payment.

    Inquiries & Applications
    Please check your spam folder if you do not receive a reply from Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook.

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