Information of 2027-2028 Season Audition
Qualifications and Audition Procedures
Qualifications
- Applicants must be professional-level musicians who have completed most or all of their formal training, and who are in good health.
- Applicants must be younger than 35 years old as of April 1, 2027.
- Applicants are required to join the Orchestra starting from September 1, 2027.
(Applicants are required to attend an orientation and other official events as indicated by the orchestra office in late August 2027.) - Applicants are required to be able to work in either English or Japanese without difficulty.
First round (YouTube video) Audition
To apply, please follow the instructions below.
- Record the required audition repertoire listed on the Orchestra website without cuts or editing.
- Upload your video to YouTube (via YouTube Studio) as “Unlisted mode” for the first round. Videos set to Private will result in disqualification. Be sure to select Unlisted.
※Please follow the steps below to record your video.- ・Video must be recorded within the three-month period ending on and including the submission date.
- ・Video must be taken horizontally.
- ・Use a fixed camera angle that clearly shows the front of the applicant’s face and body, as well as their hands, at all times.
- ・Applicants for string, woodwind, and brass instruments must create two separate video files:
①one containing only the concerto, and
②one containing all of the required orchestral excerpts. - ・Percussion applicants must create two separate video files:
① one containing recordings of all required pieces performed on timpani, and
② one containing only the piece performed on marimba. - ・Applicants must ensure that both ① and ② are recorded within the three-month period ending on and including 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.
- ・Perform the required repertoire in the order listed on the Orchestra website. Videos that do not follow the specified order may be excluded from evaluation.
- ・If the applicant’s hand movements are not synchronized with the audio, the video may be excluded from evaluation.
- ・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.
- ・Do not delete your videos or change them to Private before the first-round results have been announced.
- ・Videos containing repertoire unrelated to the audition will result in disqualification.
- ・No changes to or replacements of application information or YouTube videos will be accepted after the application deadline.
- ※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
- 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 January 17, 2027 in Japanese Standard Time).
- Submitted documents are solely used for the purpose of audition evaluation and will not be returned.
【Notification of Audition Result】
The result of the First Round (YouTube video) Audition will be notified to all applicants by email by January 30, 2027. 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 2027.
Timpani & Percussion auditions will be held only on the dates and at the venues marked with a ★. - US
Philadelphia: March 1 (Monday) ★, and 2 (Tuesday)
Europe
Munich: March 15 (Monday) ★, and 16 (Tuesday)
Japan
Tokyo: March 7 (Sunday), and 8 (Monday)
Nishinomiya: March 21 (Sunday) ★, and 22 (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 10, 2027 (Saturday).
Notes
- ＊All Application materials will not be returned.
- ＊We cannot respond to any questions regarding the audition process or evaluations.
- ＊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, 2027 to August 31, 2028
However, renewable annually based on conditions (maximum until August 31, 2030)
- Annual Activity Days
- Approximately 220 days per season (based on seasonal activity)
- Compensation
- Annual remuneration of ¥3,600,000, pre-tax (approximately US$ 22,930, € 19,890)* 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 per month (approximately US$ 87, €76)*
・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.
・In the event of major renovation work at the Hyogo Performing Arts Center, rehearsals, performances, and other musical activities may take place at alternative venues.
- Travel Grant
- New Core Members moving from abroad will receive a one-time airfare reimbursement of up to ¥100,000 (approximately US$ 637, €552)* 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=￥157, €1=￥181 (as of September, 2026) 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: audition2027@gcenter-hyogo.jp
