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:
- Ability to read notes in Treble and Bass clefs.
- Knowledge of all major and minor key signatures.
- Ability to identify note values and time signatures.
- 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 & Application Period: 20 participants (max. 22)
If the number of applicants does not reach capacity, practice time may be shortened. Applications for both participants and auditors will be accepted from November 1, 2026. Places are allocated in order of payment. Auditor applications close January 30, 2027.
Each participant receives approximately 20 minutes of podium time per day (7 hours of lessons daily, including breaks).
Programme Content
· Lessons and score analysis with piano
· Practical training and Final Concert with orchestra
Detailed schedules will be sent to participants at a later date. All participants will conduct the orchestra in the Final Concert and receive a Certificate of Completion (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.
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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