International Winter Academy 2027
Japanese-German Philharmonic Society · Seit 1991

Winter Academy · Internationale Winterakademie

Japanese-German Philharmonic Society

International Winter Academy 2027

For Conductors and Soloists
Beethoven's Great Symphonies & Concertos — 200th Anniversary

February 11–19, 2027 (9 Days)  |  Saitama Arts Theater, Japan
Faculty:  Naoki Sugiyama

Overview

· All participants can perform in the Final Concert.
· Video and audio recordings are available upon request.

Dates

February 11–19, 2027 (Final Concert: February 19th)
Lessons 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

Orchestra

Symphonische Akademie of the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society

Target Audience & Eligibility

The International Winter Academy is open to conductors and instructors of orchestras, wind ensembles, and choirs; solo instrumentalists; singers; students aspiring to become conductors; and professional or amateur musicians. There are no restrictions based on conducting experience, instrumental ability, academic background, or age. Basic knowledge of music theory is required. Auditing is open to everyone.

Minimum musical knowledge required:

  1. Ability to read notes in 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).

Places & Registration: 20 participants (max. 22)

If enrolment falls below capacity, lesson time may be adjusted. Registration opens 1 November 2026 for both active and auditing participants. Places are allocated in order of payment receipt. Applications close when full.

Participants receive approximately 15–20 minutes of podium time per day in 7-hour sessions (including breaks). Concert assignments are determined by assessment during the orchestra lessons. Auditor registration closes 30 January 2027.

Programme

· Score analysis and piano lessons
· Practical work conducting ensemble and orchestra
· All participants perform with the professional orchestra in concert. Repertoire and podium time are determined by assessment during the orchestra lessons.
· The top 3–5 participants conduct a complete work (a single-movement work in full, or 2–4 movements of a symphony) at the Festivalkonzert on the final day.
· All other participants conduct for approximately 10 minutes each at the AkademieMatinée or Akademiekonzert the day before.
· All participants receive a certificate of participation (Zertifikat).

Schedule: February 2027

  • 11th:   9:00–17:00 — Analysis and lesson with Piano
  • 12th:   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
  • 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: 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. Full concertos or arias may be selected, but specific choices may depend on the accompanying soloists.

Lessons with Piano
Lessons with Piano
Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama
Faculty: Naoki Sugiyama
Final Concert
Final Concert
Final Concert
Final Concert

Fees & Cancellation

Tuition Fees (General)

  • €1,200 (Regular)
  • €1,000 Early Bird — apply and pay by July 31, 2026

Tuition Fees (Students under 25, music college / graduate)

  • €600 (max. 4 student places)

Auditing Fees

  • Per day: €60  |  All days: €300

Cancellation Policy

  • Until August 31, 2026: Full refund (excl. bank fees)
  • Until December 31, 2026: €300 cancellation fee
  • From January 1, 2027: No refund

Application

Please complete the form below with your full name, nationality, age, and a brief musical CV. In the Subject field, write Winter Academy 2027 — Active Participant or Auditor. Applications by fax are not accepted.
Bank details will be provided upon receipt of your application. Registration is confirmed on the date payment is received.

Enquiries & Applications
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