Orchestra Summit in Japan
60 participants from 20 countries and regions
The venue – MUZA Kawasaki Symphony Hall, Exhibition Room
In 1997, for the very first time, orchestra representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered together. The inaugural Asia-Pacific Orchestra Summit revealed and shared the vibrant activities of orchestras in neighboring countries. Recognizing the importance of this international conference, it has since been held every two to three years.
In 2026, after a decade-long interval, the Summit will return to Japan. This gathering will address the pressing question of how orchestras can contribute to a society that has undergone dramatic change.
30 March (Mon)
Start 11:00
Opening & Session I
Local Yet Global Orchestras Transforming Their Cities and the World.
Opening declaration and welcome speeches from Kawasaki City
| Speakers: |
Mr. Naohiro Akiyama, Music Town Promotion Section, Civic Culture Promotion Office, Civic Culture Bureau, Kawasaki City Mr. Yoshitaka Hirooka, Managing Director, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra Representatives of Asian Orchestras, et al. (and others) |
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Session II
14:00 - 17:30 (with a break)
Theme: The Future of the Asia Pacific Orchestras
Mutual understanding and sharing of knowledge among Asia–Pacific orchestras, Visions for the 22nd Century
31 March (Tue) , 1 April (Wed)
Start 9:30
Topics and Japanese Speakers listed below; Asia Pacific Orchestra representatives to be confirmed.
Sessions III-VI
(Concurrent Sessions /
Various Topics)
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Human resource development through international exchange
Key Speakers:
Mr. Toshihisa Yokomori, Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra
Mr. Yoshitaka Hirooka, "Asia Project," Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
A discussion on talent development in the United States -
Orchestras for Well-being
Key Speakers:
Ms. Asuka Okishio, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Mr. Takuma Kakitsuka, Kyushu Symphony Orchestra -
Orchestras as Platforms for East Meets West, Old Meets New Culture
Key Speakers:
Ms. Aya Oumi, Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
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The Current and Future State of Communication Programs
Key Speakers:
Ms. Aika Fukahori, Gunma Symphony Orchestra
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The Legacy of Large-Scale Events (e.g., World Expo) and the Role of Orchestras
Key Speakers:
Mr. Akihiro Yamaguchi, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra
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Empowering Orchestra Librarians : From Score Storage to a Strategic Planning Hub
Featuring the Librarian from the Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Co-hosted by the National Meeting of Orchestra Librarians in Japan
Key Speakers:
Mr. Rob Olivier, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Ms. Keiko Itonaga, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra
Ms. Hiromi Matsuda, Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra
Special Orchestra Day Concert: A Grand Celebration
Bringing together selected musicians from 40 orchestras with 4 of Japan’s leading conductors.
https://www.orchestra.or.jp/eng/#OrchestrasdayContact Information / Inquiries
Please let us know whether you will be able to join us at the Summit, and which of the above topics you are most interested in. We look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you to Japan.
For any questions or further information regarding the summit, please contact:
Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras
Email: nagura-ajso※orchestra.jp
※ → @
Attn: Maki Nagura
Date and time/venue
Date and time
2026
| March 30 (Mon) | –Starts at 11:00 |
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| March 31 (Tue) | –Starts at 9:30 |
| April 1 (Wed) | –Starts at 9:30 |
Venue
History of the Asia-Pacific Region Orchestras Summit
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
Korea
China
Hong Kong
Macao
Thailand
Taiwan
Vietnam
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Indonesia
Sri Lanka
India
Kazakhstan
Russia
the Program of the 1st Orchestra Summit
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Orchestra Summit Ⅱ
60 participants from 18 countries and regions AAPRO was established.
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Orchestra Summit Ⅲ
Host orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra
“The Flourishing of Orchestral Music in our Region”
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Orchestra Summit Ⅳ
Host orchestra: Singapore Symphony Orchestra
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Orchestra Summit Ⅴ
“The Power of Harmony in Asia Pacific“
88 participants from 15 countries and regions
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Orchestra Summit Ⅵ
84 participants from 17 countries and regions
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Orchestra Summit Ⅶ
59 participants from 19 countries and regions
“From Passion to Mission”
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Orchestra Summit Ⅷ
64 participants from 17 countries and regions
“Share and Prosper: Europe Asia Pacific”
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Orchestra Summit Ⅸ
64 participants from 11 countries and regions
“Innovation beyond Borders”
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Orchestra Summit Ⅹ
59 participants from 15 countries and regions
“Hope for the Future”
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Orchestra Summit XI
128 participants from 14 countries and regions
“Beyond the Mission”
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Orchestra Summit XII
Approximately 40 participants from 9 countries and regions
“Symphony and Orchestra Building in the New Era”
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Scheduled to be held, but cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Orchestra Summit XIII
Orchestras in the 22nd Century - Local Yet Global Orchestras Transforming Their Cities and the World.
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| Supported by: |
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©Summit of Asia Pacific Region Orchestras in Japan