International Summer Academy 2026: Mastering Mahler with Orchestra

International Summer Academy 2026: Mastering Romantic Orchestral Songs
Special Focus: Gustav Mahler’s Symphonies and Lieder with Professional Orchestra

■ Program Description
Elevate your artistry and build your professional portfolio by performing with a full symphony orchestra in the heart of Japan. The International Summer Academy 2026 invites talented sopranos, altos, or baritones for an intensive week of vocal and orchestral mastery.
Under the expert guidance of conductor Naoki Sugiyama, participants will delve into the profound world of Romantic orchestral repertoire. The 2026 session focuses on the works of Gustav Mahler, offering a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between intimate Lieder and grand symphonic performance.

■ Why Join Us?
• Professional Orchestral Experience: Rehearse and perform with the Japanese-German Philharmonic Symphonische Akademie.
• High-Quality Media: Professional video and audio recordings of your performance are available for your portfolio/audition reels.
• Comprehensive Training: Daily intensive sessions including piano rehearsals, ensemble work, and full orchestral coaching.
• Gala Concerts: All participants perform in the final festival concerts at the prestigious Saitama Arts Theater.

■ 2026 Repertoire Focus
• Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (4th Mov.), Kindertotenlieder, Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Rückert-Lieder

■ Application Details
• Dates: August 14 – 21, 2026
• Location: Saitama/Tokyo, Japan (Saitama Arts Theater)
• Eligibility: Professional singers and advanced conservatory students.
• Capacity: Limited to 5–7 singers to ensure personalized, intensive coaching.
• Early Bird Discount: Apply by March 30, 2026, for a significant tuition reduction.

■ Requirements & Eligibility
• Voice Types: Soprano, Alto / Baritone.
• Level: Professional singers or conservatory students/graduates.
• Language: Audition repertoire must be performed in German.
• Audition: Submission of a 10-minute video (Lieder or Aria in German) via URL (YouTube, etc.).

■ Deadlines & Fees
• Application Starts: November 1, 2025.
• Capacity: Strictly limited to 5–7 singers (First-come, first-served basis upon payment).
• Early Bird Deadline: March 31, 2026 (€1,000).
• Regular Fee: €1,200
• Student Discount: €600 (100,000 JPY) for students under 25.

Apply via our website or inquiry form.
A video audition (approx. 10 minutes of Lieder or Arias in German) is required.