Winter Academy 2027
International Winter Academy
for Conductors and Soloists
Beethoven's Great Symphonies and Concertos for the 200th Anniversary

・All participants can perform in the final concert.
・Video and audio recordings are available upon request.

Dates: February 11th – 19th, 2027 (Final Concert: February 19th)
(Lessons with piano, ensemble, and 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: Japanese-German Philharmonic Academy (Symphonische Akademie)

Target Audience / Eligibility:

The International Winter Academy is open to conductors/instructors of orchestra, wind ensemble, and choir; solo instrumentalists; singers; students aspiring to be conductors; and general musicians.
There are no restrictions based on conducting experience, instrumental ability, academic background, or age. However, basic knowledge of music theory (notation, simple harmony, and knowledge of orchestral instruments) is required. Auditing is open to everyone.
Minimum musical knowledge required for participants:
1. Ability to read notes in both Treble and Bass clefs.
2. Knowledge of all major and minor key signatures.
3. Ability to identify note values and time signatures.
4. Understanding of basic chord types and inversions (triads, 7th, 9th, diminished 7th chords, etc.) and cadences (T-D-T, T-S-T, T-S-D-T).

Capacity and Application Period: 20 participants (Max 22)

If the number of applicants does not reach the capacity, practice time may be shortened. Applications for both participants and auditors will be accepted starting November 1st, 2026. Applications are processed in the order of payment received. Recruitment will close as soon as the capacity is reached.
Participants will have 7 hours of lessons daily (including breaks), with approximately 20 minutes of podium time per person each day.
Auditor applications are accepted until January 30th, 2027.

Content:

・Lessons and analysis with piano
・Practice and final performance conducting the orchestra
Detailed schedules and programs will be sent to participants at a later date.
All participants will conduct the orchestra in the Final Concert.
All participants will receive a Certificate of Completion (Zertifikat), and those who pass the Diplom Test will receive a Diplom 1 or 2 certificate.

Diplom Test:

There are two levels: Diplom 1 and 2. Diplom 1 is equivalent to the entrance exam level of a European music university conducting department; Diplom 2 is equivalent to the 1st Diplom level of a European music university.
Participants who are joining the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society's conducting masterclass for the 4th time or more are eligible for Diplom 1. Those who have already passed Diplom 1 or have received a diplom previously are eligible for Diplom 2.
The Diplom Test consists of approximately 20 minutes of podium time with the orchestra. Please inquire for details regarding the test content and repertoire. ​​​

Schedule: February 2027

  • 11th: 9:00–17:00 Analysis and lesson with Piano
  • 12rd: 9:00–17:00 Analysis and lesson with Piano
  • 13th: 9:00–17:00 Analysis and lesson with Ensemble
  • 14th: 9:00–17:00 Analysis and lesson with Ensemble
  • 16th: 9:00–12:30 Orchestra lessons
  • 16th: 13:30–17:00 Orchestra lessons
  • 17th: 9:00–12:30 Orchestra lessons
  • 17th: 13:30–17:00 Orchestra lessons and diploma examination
  • 18th: 9:00–12:30 Orchestra lessons
  • 18th: 13:30–17:00 Orchestra lessons and Final Concert Rehearsal
  • 19th: 13:30–17:00 Rehearsal and Final Concert 1
  • 19th: 18:30–21:00 Final Concert 2
  • ​​​

    Repertoire:

  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A major
  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F major
  • Beethoven: Overture "Coriolan"
  • Beethoven: Violin Concerto
  • Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"
  • Beethoven: Aria from Opera "Fidelio"
  • Beethoven: Aria "Ah! perfido" Op. 65
  • Participants must select at least one complete work (Symphony, Concerto, or Overture) and one Aria from the list above. You may select a full concerto or aria, but specific selections may depend on the accompanying soloists. ​​​

    Fees:

  • Adult (25+): 1200 Euros
  • Early bird fee: 1,000 Euros Apply and pay by March 30. 2026 to take advantage of the early bird rate.
  • Student of Music Universities/Colleges under 25: 600 Euros
  • Fee for Diploma examination:

    (Only for whom, who applies Diploma examination) 300 Euros

    The cancellation policy is as follows:

  • Full refund (excluding bank transfer fees) for cancellations made on or before August 31, 2026
  • Partial refund (course fee minus €300) for cancellations made on or before December 31, 2026
  • No refund for cancellations made on or after January 1, 2027
    ​​​​

    How to Apply:

    Applicants are requested to send their full name, nationality, age, and a short description of their musical education (school, instruments, experience in conducting, teachers, etc.).
    The bank account details will be provided once your application has been accepted. Please transfer either the full participation fee or the observer fee corresponding to the number of days you plan to attend. The date on which the participation fee is received will be regarded as the official application date.

    Inquiries / Application
    Please check your spam folder if you use Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or Outlook, as our reply may be filtered there.

    Back to Top