Call for applications: Competition for conductors in Japan

Founded in 1966, the competition was envisaged for nurturing Japanese conductors, but it in recent years it has been recognised as a gateway to success for aspiring international conductors. 

The competition will be held over three rounds under the leadership of Japanese conductor Tadaaki Otaka. About 20 participants will be selected to conduct the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (in the first and second preliminary rounds) and the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (in the final round). The goal is to give the participants the experience of working with many different orchestras.

All the prize winners will conduct the NHK Symphony Orchestra at a debut concert held in Tokyo in July 2022. The top prize winner (or one of the other finalists) will have the opportunity to perform in a special debut concert in Hungary with the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra at the Liszt Academy Concert Hall in April 2022. They will also be invited to perform at the Musical Olympus International Festival held in May-June 2021 in St Petersburg, Russia.  

Below are the prizes:

• First prize – A certificate, medal and a cash award of 2 million yen ($18 500).
• Second prize – A certificate, medal and a cash award of 1 million yen.
• Third prize – A certificate, medal, and a cash award of 500 000 yen.

Additionally, a special Hideo Saito Award of 500 000 yen will be given to the most promising contestant.

Note: The judges reserve the right not to award a particular prize if they are not satisfied.

The organisers will provide the contestants with the following:

• Free accommodation.
• Transport allowance worth 50 000 yen for those coming from Asia and 100 000 yen for those coming from other regions.

The application deadline is 6 May at 4.59 pm (CAT).

To apply, view the original call here.