Overview
An intensive programme for professional singers to perform Mahler's symphonies and orchestral songs with a full symphony orchestra. Sopranos, altos, and baritones are guided from piano rehearsals through orchestra sessions to the Festival Concerts.
· All participants perform in the Festival Concerts.
· Video and audio recordings are available upon request.
Dates
August 14–21, 2026 (Festival Concerts: August 20 & 21)
Rehearsals with piano, ensemble, and orchestra
Venue
Saitama Arts Theater, Saitama, Japan
Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama
Conductor / Chairman of the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society
Former Guest Conductor of the Dohnányi Orchestra and Moravian Philharmonic
Languages
Japanese · English · German
Orchestra
Symphonische Akademie of the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society
Eligibility & Requirements
Open to professional singers and vocalists. Experience performing with an orchestra is not required, but vocal ability equivalent to a music university graduate is necessary.
Places Available
- Soprano: 2 (max. 3)
- Alto or Baritone: 3 (max. 4)
Application Period
Applications accepted from November 1, 2025. Places allocated in order of payment. Each participant receives 30 minutes of private and group lessons daily. Days 1–3: piano rehearsals. Day 4 onwards: orchestra rehearsals.
Programme Content
· Rehearsals with conductor and piano
· Rehearsals with conductor and orchestra
· Festival Concert performances
All participants perform with the orchestra in the Festival Concerts and receive a Certificate of Completion (Zertifikat).
Schedule: August 2026
- 14th: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal with conductor and piano
- 15th: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal with conductor and piano
- 16th: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal with conductor and ensemble
- 17th: Day off
- 18th: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal with conductor and orchestra
- 19th: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal with conductor and orchestra
- 20th: 13:30–17:00 — Orchestra rehearsal and Festival Concert rehearsal
- 20th: 18:30–21:00 — Festival Concert 1 (Faculty)
- 21st: 13:30–17:00 — Rehearsal and Festival Concert 2 (Participants)
- 21st: 18:30–21:00 — Festival Concert 3 (Participants)
Repertoire
- Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major (Universal/International Mahler Gesellschaft 1963)
- Mahler: Kindertotenlieder (Universal/Philharmonia)
- Mahler: Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Universal/Philharmonia)
- Mahler: Rückert-Lieder (Universal/Philharmonia)
Audition
Applicants must upload a video performance (approx. 10 minutes of Lieder or arias sung in German) to YouTube or a similar platform and submit the URL by email. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with bank transfer details.
Fees & Cancellation
Tuition Fees (General)
- €1,200 (Regular)
- €1,000 Early Bird — pay by March 30, 2026
Tuition Fees (Students under 25, music college / graduate)
- €600 (limited places)
Cancellation Policy
- Until March 31, 2026: Full refund (excl. bank fees)
- Until June 30, 2026: €300 cancellation fee
- From July 1, 2026: No refund
Application
Please complete the form below. In the Subject field, write Summer Academy 2026 — Singer. In the Message field, include your full name, nationality, age, voice type, and a brief musical CV (school, voice teachers, experience, etc.).
After receiving your form, we will send you an email address to submit your video audition URL. Please upload a video (approx. 10 minutes of German Lieder or arias) to YouTube or a similar platform.
Successful applicants will receive bank transfer details. Registration is confirmed on the date payment is received.
Enquiries & Applications
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