Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra

Audition

FAQ has been posted as of Feb. 17th, 2012! To read, please click here.

Sections

Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra announces auditions for the following openings.

• ■ VIOLIN (6 POSITIONS)
• ■ VIOLA (2 POSITIONS)
• ■ CELLO (1 POSITION)
• ■ OBOE (1 POSITION)
• ■ TRUMPET (1 POSITION)
• ■ TROMBONE or BASS TROMBONE (1 POSITION)
• ■ TIMPANI & PERCUSSION (1 POSITION)

Qualifications and Audition Procedures

■ 1. Qualifications

1. Applicants should be professional-level musicians who have completed most or all of their formal training, and who are in good health.
2. Applicants must be younger than 35 years old as of April 1, 2012.
3. Applicants should be able to join the Orchestra from September, 2012.
4. Applicants should have basic proficiency in English or Japanese.

The above requirements may be waived or altered, on the basis of separate consultations, in case of students or members of other orchestras who have time remaining in their contracts.

■ 2. Preliminary Auditions (Tape Auditions)

• To apply, please follow the instruction below.
  1. Download an application form (PDF) and complete it.
     Application forms may be found at here.
  2. Download a repertoire list (PDF) and record your performance of required repertoires on CD (no video recording is acceptable), MD or audiotape. Please indicate your instrument, full name, and telephone number both on the CD, MD or audiotape and its case.
     Repertoire List can be viewed at here.
  3. Send completed application form and audition recordings to the address below. Sent materials will be used only for the purpose of audition evaluation and will not be returned.
     
     Mailing Address :
     Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra
     2-22 Takamatsu-Cho
     Nishinomiya City
     Hyogo 663-8204
     JAPAN
     
• Deadline for Applications
  February 20, 2012 (Arrived by, not postmarked by)
• Notification of Preliminary Audition Results
  All applicants will be notified of preliminary audition result by email or fax by the 10th of March.
  Successful candidates of preliminary audition will be notified about venue, day and time for final audition (live audition).

■ 3. Final Auditions (Live Auditions)

Venue and Schedule

1. Repertoire List is the same as Preliminary Auditions (Tape Auditions).
   The specific passages to be played will be designated on the day of the audition. Memorization is not required. Sight reading may also be asked.
   Auditions will be unaccompanied, and applicants should provide their own music.
2. Applicants are responsible for all audition-related expenses, including travel, lodging, and instrument renting/shipping.
3. All applicants will be notified of Final Audition result by email by beginning of May.

Mission Statement

In October 2005, the Hyogo Performing Arts Center started its history as a symbol of rebirth of Hyogo Prefecture and neighboring regions experiencing the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995.
The mission of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra (the HPAC Orchestra), which was concurrently established and exclusively affiliated with the Center, is to foster appreciation of and participation in arts and culture by residents in Hyogo Prefecture.
The HPAC Orchestra, consisting of young musicians from around the world, works with first-class conductors and soloists, and provides the high quality performances of large-scale orchestral works, opera, chamber music, youth concerts, and a wide range of community outreach projects.

Conditions and Benefits

■ Term

Qualified musician will be engaged for the period beginning on September 1, 2012 and ending August 31, 2013. Contract can be renewed up to August 31, 2015 under the terms of contract.
A maximum of 220 orchestra service days shall be scheduled each contract year.

■Compensation

• Compensation based upon contract agreement is 3,600,000yen (pre-tax) [approximately US$46,753, €34,285*] per one year. Amount divided by 12 months will be provided per month. Contracted compensation is subject to 10% withholding income tax. Each musician will receive a net income of approximately 220,000yen [Approx. US$2,857, €2,095*] per month after the rent, utilities, health insurance and local tax payment deductions.
  *Exchange rate of approximately US$1=77yen / €1=105yen (As of October, 2011) is applied for calculation.
• Transportation fee will be paid based upon stipulation of the Center. (Subject to 10% withholding tax.)

■Social Insurance

National Health Insurance and National Pension System are available upon individual request. No employment insurance and worker's accident insurance are available.

■ Housing

The Hyogo Performing Arts Center maintains apartments units in Takarazuka, located 10Km (6.2 miles) from the Center a 45-minute commute by a combination of bus and train. An unfurnished apartment will be provided to each member at a subsidized rate of 13,400yen [US$174, €128*] monthly. Each apartment is equipped with an air-conditioned soundproof room, private bathroom/bathtub, toilet, kitchen with gas stovetop, and light fixtures. All other living expenses, including utilities and food, are the individual responsibility of each member.

*Exchange rate of approximately US$1=77yen / €1=105yen (As of October, 2011) is applied for calculation.

■ Others

Individual member is required to join National Health Insurance Plan and National Pension System if necessary. Final tax return needs to be filed individually at musician's own responsibility. Local tax needs to be paid by individual responsibility.

Each new member moving from outside Japan will receive a one-time airfare reimbursement of up to 100,000yen (including 10% withholding taxes) [Approx. US$1,298, €952*]. This reimbursement is intended to assist members with their initial travel to Japan.

Members can receive subsidy to help defray expenses for taking audition outside Japan up to a specified amount set by the Organization during their contract term.

*Exchange rate of approximately US$1=77yen / €1=105yen (As of October, 2011) is applied for calculation.

Work Eligibility/Visas

Accepted members from overseas will need to be eligible to work in Japan and to obtain the appropriate work visas. The Orchestra will assist in the visa application process, but final responsibility rests with the applicant. The contract can only be honored for approved visa holders.

Contact us

Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra
2-22 Takamatsu-Cho
Nishinomiya Hyogo
663-8204 JAPAN
TEL +81-798-68-0203 FAX +81-798-68-0205
E-mail: audition2012@gcenter-hyogo.jp

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