Qualifications and Auditions 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, 2019.
  • Applicants are required to join the Orchestra starting September, 2019.
  • Applicants are required to have basic proficiency in English or in Japanese.

Preliminary (DVD-Video) Auditions

To apply, please follow the instruction below.

  • Download an application form (PDF) and fill out the form. Record your performance of the required repertoires on DVD (DVD – Video format).
    * Please prepare the music of the repertoire for the preliminary (DVD-Video) audition by yourself.
    * The DVD-Video format is the standard created by the DVD Forum, and is the recording medium playable on commonly used DVD players.

    Click for Application Form
    Click for Repertoire List

  • As for DVD recordings please proceed as follows.
    1. DVD must be made within 6 months prior to the submission date.
    2. All pieces of the Applicant’s choice from the repertoire list must be recorded on the same day at the same venue.
    3. DVD must be unedited, taken from the same camera angle throughout and must clearly show the Applicant’s hands and face.
    4. All pieces of the Applicant’s choice from the repertoire list must be recorded in one track.
    5. DVD may be excluded from judgment if it was perceived that the hand movement of the Applicant during his or her performance does not synchronize with the sound.
    6. An automatic audio volume control function of video camera (AGC, ALC, etc.) shall not be used. This is because it reduces dynamics and nuances and often results in a recording which does not accurately represent the performance.
    7. DVD shall not have extremely loud (or quiet) sound volume, and shall not contain noise.
    8. Piano accompanist for concerto is not required.
    9. Cadenza should be included in DVD recording.
  • Please indicate your instrument, full name, telephone number, and recording date both on DVD and its case.
  • Mail completed your application form and DVD recordings to the address below.
    DVD recordings and documents sent will be used only for the purpose of audition evaluation and will not be returned.
    Materials must be RECEIVED by January 20, 2019.

    Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra / Audition 2019
    2-22 Takamatsu-Cho
    Nishinomiya City
    Hyogo 663-8204
    JAPAN

    * When you send application package to HPAC from outside Japan, please make sure to choose “Sender” as the party who should bear “Duties and Taxes”. In case HPAC is asked to pay for it, we reject to receive your application package (Application form and DVD recording).
  • All applicants will be notified of the Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition result by email or fax by February 15, 2019. Successful candidates of the Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition will be notified about the venue, date, time, and repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition.

Final (Live) Auditions

  • Final (Live) Audition will be held in cities in Japan (Between March 7 and 10, 2019), the US and Europe (Between March 26 and April 1, 2019) as follows:
    Auditions for Timpani/Percussion will be held ONLY on the days and in the cities with asterisk (*)
    Japan
     
     Nishinomiya:
    March 7 * & 8
     Tokyo:
    March 9 & 10
    US
     
     Chicago:
    March 26
     NewYork:
    March 27 * & 28
    Europe
     
     Vienna:
    March 30
     Berlin:
    March 31 * & April 1
  • Final (Live) Audition schedule is subject to change.
  • Repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition is informed separately to the successful candidates of the Preliminary (DVD-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.
  • Memorization is not required.
  • Applicants are responsible for all audition-related expenses, including travel, lodging, and instrument renting/shipping.
  • All applicants will be notified of the Final (Live) Audition result by email or by fax by April 14, 2019.

Notes

  • Application materials (including DVD recordings) will not be returned.
  • We do not accept any request for the comments regarding the audition result.
  • The Kobe District Court shall be the competent court for settlement of any disputes regarding rights and responsibilities arising from this audition.
  • The applicant is assumed that s/he understood all articles and notes written in this application guideline upon receiving his or her application materials.