Information of 2026-2027 Season Audition

Qualifications and Audition Procedures

Qualifications
  1. Applicants must 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, 2026.
  3. Applicants are required to join the Orchestra starting from September, 2026. (Applicants are required to attend an orientation and other official events as indicated by the orchestra office in late August 2026.)
  4. Applicants are required to have basic proficiency either in English or Japanese.
First round (YouTube video) Audition

To apply, please follow the instructions below.

  1. Click the “Audition Repertoires” below and record a non-edited video.
    Audition Repertoires
  2. Upload your video to YouTube (via YouTube Studio) as “Unlisted mode” for the first round.
    ※Please follow the steps below to record your video.
    • ・Video must be recorded within the last 3 months prior to the submission date.
    • ・Video must be taken horizontally.
    • ・Video must be taken from the same angle and it has to capture face, body, and fingerings of the applicants’ clearly.
    • ・Applicants for string, woodwind, and brass instruments must create two separate video files:
      ①one containing only the concerto, and ②one containing the required orchestral excerpts.
    • ・Applicants must ensure that both ① and ② are recorded within the past three months prior to the submission date. The two recordings may be made on different days.
    • ・Applicants must upload each video file to YouTube and obtain two separate links.
    • ・Record the orchestra excerpts in the order they are listed in the Repertoire.
    • ・If the fingering of the video is not synchronized with the audio of the video, the submitted video maybe excluded from the subject to audition.
    • ・Do not use the “Auto Volume Control Function (AGC, ALC, etc.)” as it may reduce the dynamics and nuances of the performance. It often results in a recording which does not accurately present your actual performance.
    • ・The sound volume of the video shall not be too loud (or too quiet), and it shall not contain noise.
    • ・Piano accompanist for concerto is not required.
    • ※If you need further assistance in uploading video on YouTube, please read and check the official website below;
      https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=en
  3. To apply, please complete online application form below by filling out　the information, uploading the photo, and entering URL of recorded video saved as unlisted mode by the deadline. (No later than noon February 5, 2026 in Japanese Standard Time).
    Application Form
  4. Submitted documents are solely used for the purpose of audition evaluation and will not be returned.
  5. The result of the First Round (YouTube video) Audition will be notified to all applicants by email by February 22, 2026. Successful candidates of the First Round (YouTube video) Audition will be notified about the venue, date, time, and repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition.

【Notification of Audition Result】
The result of the First Round (YouTube video) Audition will be notified to all applicants by email by February 22, 2026. Successful candidates of the First Round (YouTube video) Audition will be notified about the venue, date, time, and repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition.
Final (Live) Audition
Final (Live) Audition will be held in the cities in Japan, the US and Europe as follows:
*Schedules below are all in year 2026.
US
Philadelphia: March 15(Sunday), and 16(Monday)

Europe
Munich: March 19 (Thursday), and 20 (Friday)

Japan
Nishinomiya: March 23(Monday), and 28(Saturday)
Tokyo: March 29(Sunday), and 30(Monday)



＊Final (Live) Audition schedule is subject to change.

＊Repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition is informed separately to the successful candidates of the Preliminary (YouTube video) Audition.

＊Music for the Final (Live) Audition will be designated by HPAC orchestra.

＊Specific passages to be played will be designated by the jury at the time of audition.

＊An accompanist is not required for both preliminary and live audition.

＊Memorization is not required for performing at the audition.

＊Applicants are responsible for all audition-related expenses, including transportation, lodging, and instrument renting/shipping.

＊The result of Final (Live) Audition will be notified to all applicants by email by April 9, 2026 (Thursday).

Notes
  • ＊All application materials will not be returned.
  • ＊We do not accept any requests for feedbacks or comments regarding the audition result.
  • ＊The entire audition, including this application process, shall be conducted in accordance with the laws of Japan, and any and all disputes (including court mediation procedures) arising in connection with this audition shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Kobe District Court.
  • ＊Upon submission of the application form, you will be deemed to have accepted all of the information and notes contained in this application guideline.

Work Eligibility/Visas

Successful non-Japanese candidates will need to obtain Japanese working visa to work as a core member at HPAC. HPAC Orchestra office will assist in preparing the documents for applying visa for successful candidates, however, it is their responsibility to apply at their consulate in their country and obtain the visa. This Contract shall be invalid without the Japanese working visa.

Conditions and Benefits

Contract Type
Performance Contract (Not an Employment Contract)
Contract Period
From September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027
However, renewable annually based on conditions (maximum until August 31, 2029)
Annual Activity Days
Approximately 220 days per season (based on seasonal activity)
Compensation
Annual remuneration of ¥3,600,000, pre-tax (approximately US$ 24.399, € 20,977)* per year based on the performance contract, paid monthly in 12 equal installments
Travel expenses related to performance activities paid according to HPAC regulations
Social Insurance
National Health Insurance, National Pension (Individual enrollment required. Employment Insurance and Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance do not apply).
Housing
Housing may be provided to musicians.

・Prefectural Public Housing (Approx. 45 min by train/bus from HPAC)
・3 Rooms + Dining + Kitchen (Principally with soundproof room), Rent: ¥13,700　(approximately US$ 93, €80)*
・Utilities, food expenses, and other living costs are the responsibility of the individual.
Other
・In addition to National Health Insurance and National Pension, individuals must handle their own resident tax payments.
・Remuneration paid by HPAC is subject to withholding income tax.
Travel Grant
New Core Members moving from abroad will receive a one-time airfare reimbursement of up to ¥100,000 (approximately US$ 678, €583)* to assist in their initial travel to Japan.
Audition Grant
Core Members can receive an audition grant to help defray expenses for taking auditions　outside of Japan up to a specified amount set by the HPAC.
*Exchange rate of US$1=¥147.55, €1=¥171.62 (as of August 27, 2025) is applied for calculation.
Visa Acquisition
Non-Japanese nationals require a visa to enter Japan.
The office will prepare necessary application documents, but visa acquisition is the individual’s responsibility. Failure to obtain a visa will invalidate the contract.

Contact

Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra “Orchestra Audition”
2-22 Takamatsu Cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo 663-8204 Japan
Tel:＋81(798)68-0203 /FAX:＋81(798)68-0205
E-mail： audition2026@gcenter-hyogo.jp
※ For questions, please contact us by email