The 47th Kirishima International Music Festival 2026

Master Class 2026 Application Guide

~ Two weeks of world-class music education in the rich neture of Kirishima ~

The 47th Kirishima International Music Festival 2026

Master Class 2026 Application Guide

~ Two weeks of world-class music education in the rich neture of Kirishima ~

The 46th Kirishima International Music Festival has concluded.

The 47th Kirishima IMF Master Class will be held during the following period:
Sunday, July 26 – Sunday, August 9, 2026

Master Class Schedule and Venue

July 26 (Sun) - August 9 (Sun)

Kirishima International Music Hall “Miyama Concert Hall” (Kirishima, Kagoshima)

The 46th Kirishima International Music Festival - Masterclass Moments

Announce Details in March / Application Deadline May 14 (Thu)

Introduction of Faculty

Solo Master Classes

Violin

Sergej Krylov

Professor of Lugano Music Conservatoire, Switzerland Music Director of Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra

Violin

Yasushi Toyoshima

Professor of Kyoto City University of Arts Concertmaster of the New Japan Phil. and the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Violin

Tomoko Kato

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music Second Prize Winner at the Tchaikovsky International Competition

Viola

Kazuhide Isomura

Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Cello

Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi
(Music Director)

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music Director of Suntory Hall

Cello

Clive Greensmith

Professor of the Colburn School Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet

Piano

Eliso Virsaladze

Professor of Moscow Conservatory

Piano

Daejin Kim

Professor / Former President of Korea National University of Arts

Flute

Shigenori Kudo

Special invited Professor of Tokyo College of Music Professor of École Normale de Musique de Paris

Violin

Sergej Krylov

Professor of Lugano Music Conservatoire, Switzerland Music Director of Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra

Violin

Yasushi Toyoshima

Professor of Kyoto City University of Arts Concertmaster of the New Japan Phil. and the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Violin

Tomoko Kato

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music Second Prize Winner at the Tchaikovsky International Competition

Viola

Kazuhide Isomura

Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Cello

Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi (Music Director)

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music Director of Suntory Hall

Cello

Clive Greensmith

Professor of the Colburn School Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet

Piano

Eliso Virsaladze

Professor of Moscow Conservatory

Piano

Daejin Kim

Professor / Former President of Korea National University of Arts

Flute

Shigenori Kudo

Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Chamber Music Class

Chamber Music
(Viola)

Kazuhide Isomura

Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Chamber Music
(Piano)

Shigeo Neriki

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Chamber Music
(Cello)

Clive Greensmith

Professor of the Colburn School Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet

Chamber Music
(Viola)

Kazuhide Isomura

Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Chamber Music
(Piano)

Shigeo Neriki

Specially Appointed Professor of the Toho Gakuen School of Music

Chamber Music
(Cello)

Clive Greensmith

Professor of the Colburn School Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet

Kirishima International Music Festival

The Kirishima International Music Festival was held in 1980 in Kirishima highland, a natural hot spring tourist area adjacent to a national park, with the philosophies of “growth through the mutual influence of master and pupil” and “cultivation of technically and humanly independent musicians.”

Under the direction of Music Director Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, the curriculum is designed to give students a comprehensive experience as a musician. Students who have studied at Kirishima have grown into world-class musicians who are active both in Japan and abroad and support the current music festival as instructors and performers. Today, it is highly acclaimed both at home and abroad as one of Asia’s leading music festivals.

Recent Notable Alumni

Quartet Amabile (Chamber Music)

37th Festival Music Director’s Prize
3rd Prize at 2016 ARD International Music Competition Munich

Mao Fujita (Piano)

40th Festival Grand Prize, 2nd Prize at 2019 Tchaikovsky International Competition

Akito Tani (Piano)

38th Festival Music Director’s Prize, 1st Prize at 2021 Japan Music Competition

Quartet Integra (Chamber Music)

41st Festival Music Director’s Prize 1st Prize at 2022 Bartók International Competition, 2nd Prize at 2022 ARD International Music Competition Munich

Regulus Quartet (Chamber Music)

43rd Festival Music Director’s Prize

Yo Kitamura (Cello)

41st Kirishima International Music Festival Prize, 1st Prize at 2023 Brahms International Competition, 1st Prize at 2023 Japan Music Competition

And many other active artists　

GUIDELINES FOR MASTER CLASS APPLICANTS

Kirishima International Music Festival

The Kirishima International Music Festival was held in 1980 in Kirishima highland, a natural hot spring tourist area adjacent to a national park, with the philosophies of “growth through the mutual influence of master and pupil” and “cultivation of technically and humanly independent musicians.” Under the direction of Music Director Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, the curriculum is designed to give students a comprehensive experience as a musician. Students who have studied at Kirishima have grown into world-class musicians who are active both in Japan and abroad, and support the current music festival as instructors and performers. Today, it is highly acclaimed both at home and abroad as one of Asia’s leading music festivals.

The 46th Kirishima International Music Festival Topics

Professor Nakagi, active as both soloist and orchestral performer, brings fresh energy to Kirishima.

Professor Kenji Nakagi from Tokyo University of the Arts joins the cello class for the first time

Chamber Music Master Class continuing the festival’s founding spirit

A high-level chamber music class that represents one of the festival’s roots. This year again includes opportunities to perform with piano and viola faculty members!

David Reiland returns as orchestra conductor following his appearances in the previous two years

Reiland, Music Director of the Orchestre national de Metz (formerly Orchestre de Lorraine) and Lausanne Sinfonietta, continues his engagement.
Last year’s Kirishima Festival Orchestra performance became a nationwide sensation. A chance to perform under a conductor renowned for his meticulous orchestra building!

New faculty of the Kirishima International Music Festival Masterclass!

Violin Class:Yasushi Toyoshima

Professor of Kyoto City University of Arts
Concert master of the New Japan Philharmonic and the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Cello & Chamber Music Class:Clive Greensmith

Professor of the Colburn School
Former Member of the Tokyo String Quartet
Former Principal of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Piano Class:Daejin Kim

Professor / Former President of Korea National University of Arts
Former judge of competitions such as Leeds, Queen Elisabeth, and Hamamatsu, etc.

＼　Student Testimonials　／

“I really appreciated the variety of programs and the many opportunities to watch different performances and rehearsals — I learned so much from them. I also truly enjoyed the two cello lessons with the class teacher, as well as the extra lesson I was fortunate to receive. ”

“ This is my first time in Japan and I really enjoyed it. I think it's very special because all the students we stay together in hotel and we make friends. Sometimes we have spare time we will play chamber music together side reading for fun. And teachers here are so supportive and they stay with us for the whole student concert, and also accompany us for rehearsals etc. If you would like to have a cultural experience then you're welcome because it's two weeks so you really get a immersive cultural experience. ”

“ Overall, I think this music festival was really great. In just 14 days, I was able to grow, handle things independently, communicate, work in a team, develop my cello skills, socialize, and build deep friendships with roommates from different countries. All of this is so precious and I will remember it for the rest of my life! ”

Student Privileges

Free access to the concerts

You can listen to the concerts performed by music festival artists at the Miyama Concert Hall (reservation required)

Auditing a lesson

Students can attend lessons of other classes (capacity depending on the size of the lesson venue)

Participation in concerts

Students’ Concert (all classes) All students will perform in the students’ concert held during the festival.
Final Concert Orchestra (Conducted by M.O. Ben Glassberg / selected string students)
Cello Orchestra (all students in cello class)
Kirishima String Ensemble (Masato Suzuki (cond.) and Mayuko Kamio (vn.) will join / selected string students)
Kirishima Festival Orchestra (Conducted by M.O.Ben Glassberg / selected string students)
Kirishima International Music Festival Award Winners’ Gala Concert (representative of each class)

Details will be provided in the information sent after the audition result announcement.

Application Requirements

Dates

July 26 (Sun) – August 9 (Sun)

Venues

Kirishima International Music Hall “Miyama Concert Hall” etc.
(3311-29 Makizono-cho Takachiho, Kirishima, Kagoshima)

Eligibility

In principle, applicants should be age 16 to 30 years old. (Please contact us if you are under 16.)
Applicants should be able to stay throughout the period of the entire festival.

Lessons

In principle, lessons are given individually on one-to-one basis.
During the festival period, each student (or each chamber
music group) will take about 4 lessons.
Some lessons will be opened to the general public.
(Lessons are always open to students.)
Professional accompanist is provided for string and flute lessons.

Courses and
Faculty

(Master Classes)

Tuition Fees

(tax included)
(*Scholarships are available.)

Solo Class
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano or Flute): 132,000 JPY

Chamber Music Group
Duos (per person): 88,000 JPY
Trios (per person): 77,000 JPY
Quartets (per person): 66,000 JPY
Quintets (per person): 55,000 JPY

*For students who take both Solo Class and Chamber Music Class at the same time, Chamber Music Class fee will be half of the above amount.
Example: If a student takes the Violin Class and takes the Chamber Music Class (Quartet) at the same time, the fee will be 132,000 JPY + 33,000 JPY = 165,000 JPY (including tax)

Scholarship System

Applicants who would like to apply for scholarship should submit the following at the time of application.
The professor and the secretariat will conduct an examination, and about one person in each class will be exempted from part of the tuition fee.

Documents to be submitted

Statement of reasons for application (1 sheet of A4 paper, format is free)
A letter of recommendation from your instructor (written within the past year. Be sure to include the instructor’s contact information)

Recorded
Audition

Students will be selected through recording auditions.
Please submit a recording of your performance of any piece that is 10-15 minutes long and was recorded within the past year. Recordings can be submitted in one of the following ways.
*Chamber music class (group): Please submit a recording of a performance by the applicant together with members of the same group.

Video uploaded to YouTube
Upload to YouTube with limited release and fill in the URL in the application form or send it by e-mail. Write the piece title, recording date and time, and recording location in the remark’s column of the form or in the body of the email. Include your name in the uploaded YouTube title.

Recording/video-recording file
Send to us an MP3 or MP4 file by email (must be less than 25MB). Please include the piece title, recording date and time, and recording location in the body of the email.

If it is not possible to submit by the above method, mail a CD or DVD (no Blu-ray). Please write your name, title, recording date and time, and recording location on the disc. Please make sure that it can be played before sending it. The sound source will not be returned.

How to Apply

Please send your information and the recorded material to the festival office form the application from below.

When submitting by mail, download the application from below and send it to the following address.
In that case, please include the URL of the recording for audition in the e-mail.
Please contact us if you cannot download the application form.

Application/Inquiry by mail
Kirishima International Music Festival Office
Japan Music Foundation JESC
2-1-6 Shibuya Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0002 Japan
TEL: +81-3-3499-4530
E-mail: kirishima@jesc-music.org

*If you are a violinist or pianist, please fill in your professor’s preference (1st and 2nd choice).
*Applicants who wish to take both classes of solo and chamber music are requested to send an application form for each class (two sets in total).
*If you apply for chamber music, each member must apply individually. (The sound source should be submitted by the representative.)

Application
Deadline

May 14 (Thursday), 2026

(The application must arrive by this date.)

Notification of
Results

Each applicant will be notified of the recorded audition result in early to mid-June by e-mail.

Cancellation
Policy

If you pass the audition and have paid the tuition fee, you will be charged a cancellation fee. For details, please refer to “Information about Attending Master Class”

Privacy Policy

All submitted information will be used solely for music festivals and seminars operated by JESC (Japan Music Foundation).
We will not use your information for any other purposes without your permission.

Permission to use photographs, etc

Your name, age, school name, pieces of your choice, photo and other information will be shared with other students and staff of the festival.

The 46th Kirishima International Music Festival has concluded.

The 47th Kirishima IMF Master Class will be held during the following period:
Sunday, July 26 – Sunday, August 9, 2026

*If you are unable to apply via the application form

Privacy Policy: All information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of music festivals and workshops operated by Japan Music Foundation JESC. We will not use it for any other purposes without permission.

Travel, Accommodation and Meals

Air Travel
Special rates available on designated flights arranged by the festival office.
Tokyo (Haneda) / Osaka (Itami) → Kagoshima: Sunday, July 26, morning flights
Kagoshima → Tokyo (Haneda) / Osaka (Itami): Sunday, August 9, evening flights

Accommodation
Accommodation near the venue available at special festival rates.
Detailed information and application forms will be sent after acceptance notification.
Please make all accommodation reservations through the festival office.
Shared rooms with other students (2-4 persons depending on room size) are standard.

Meals
Nutritious lunches using local ingredients available on weekdays (additional fee).
Our popular festival lunches are always highly rated!

14-night Package including Flight and Accommodation
From Tokyo (Haneda) ↔ Kagoshima: Starting from ¥182,700
From Osaka (Itami) ↔ Kagoshima: Starting from ¥172,400
*Instruments exceeding size restrictions (sum of three dimensions: 115cm for Tokyo flights, 100cm for Osaka flights) must be checked or require purchase of an additional seat.

Example of Participation Costs
For a violinist from Tokyo (full attendance, using minimum package rate):
Tuition ¥132,000 + Flight/Accommodation Package ¥182,700 + Instrument Seat 36,080 + Lunch (¥800×14 days) + Dinner (¥800×14 days) = ¥373,180

Festival Schedule (Tentative)
The 47th Kirishima International Music Festival 2026 General Schedule

Details will be provided on the website and in the acceptance information package.

Contact

Kirishima International Music Festival Office Japan Music Foundation JESC

2-1-6 Shibuya Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0002 Japan
TEL: +81-3-3499-4530 E-mail: kirishima@jesc-music.org
https://kirishima-imf.jp