PMF 2026 Auditions

Two months have passed since auditions for PMF 2026 began, and the January 14 deadline is almost upon us. Applications for the Orchestra Academy and Conducting Academy should be submitted as soon as possible!

Last year we received our highest number of auditions since implementing the online system in 2015, and the highest number of nationalities in our audition history. We hope that many aspiring young musicians will apply this year as well, from every corner of the world!

PMF 2026 Programs and Artists

While auditions are ongoing, preparations for the festival are well underway. David Robertson, known for his multi-faceted career as a conductor, composer, and educator, will conduct the PMF Orchestra for the first time. His breadth of specialization, ranging from music of the Classical era to that of the modern day, along with his innovative programming and deep understanding of music as an artform will certainly inspire the young musicians of PMF 2026. He will lead the PMF Orchestra in the second half of the festival, and teach the selected young conductors of the Conducting Academy, which is being held for the first time in nine years.

Conducting in the first half of the festival, also for the first time, is Ryan Bancroft, Principal Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Chief Conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. His international career has rocketed in recent years, steadily making debuts on the world’s major stages while maintaining his close ties with a range of orchestras around the globe. Don’t miss the chemistry that will surely result from his debut with the PMF Orchestra!

We have often reported on PMF alumni conductors’ careers in past issues, and once again we have good news to share: at PMF 2026 we will welcome alumnus conductor Andreas Ottensamer! After attending PMF 2008 as an Academy clarinetist, he went on to serve as principal clarinet of the Berliner Philharmoniker for more than ten years. He now captures audiences and critics alike with his distinct musical leadership from the podium. He will conduct the PMF Orchestra in the Link Up Concert, and the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra joined by PMF musicians in the Host City Orchestra Concert.

PMF 2003

Alumni activities

PMF alumni ensembles continued to perform in various venues in Sapporo and Tokyo. Some of these concerts were presented specially for PMF’s corporate sponsors, in gratitude for their support for the festival.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of the many alumni who keep us updated on their activities. You can always reach us at alumni@pmf.jp and let us know what you’re up to!

We hope to hear from you as we look toward the 40th anniversary in 2030.

Fundraising for a 40th anniversary alumni program

We have launched a new project to raise funds for an alumni orchestra program for PMF’s 40th anniversary in 2030! As an expression of gratitude from PMF and the City of Sapporo, we are delighted to offer you a chance to win a gift package when you make a donation. A drawing will be held each year until 2030, and lucky donors will receive items made by Sapporo artists and craftspeople!

Gift packages will include 3 certified “Sapporo Style” items, inspired by the environment and landscapes of this northern city, made with high-quality environmentally sustainable materials.

Additionally, the highest donor each fiscal year will receive both the gift package and special items designed by esteemed textile designer Kanako Kajihara!

These face towels feature two vibrant patterns and are made with extra fine, soft, light, and highly absorbent 100% cotton.

For more details and to make a donation:

Your contribution helps to sustain PMF
for future generations of musicians,
and to strengthen the foundation
of classical music as an artform.