January 6th, 2024 Update
January 6th, 2024 Update
Application for the audition is closed.
Application for the audition is closed.
December 20th, 2023 Update
December 20th, 2023 Update
November 28th, 2023 Update
November 28th, 2023 Update
Using the latest model development and streaming technologies,
virtual artists are able to maximize
their own performance technique and musical expression,
regardless of their appearance, gender, nationality, age, education, or awards.
They are a breath of fresh air in the world of classical music.
Using the latest model development and
streaming technologies,
virtual artists are able to maximize their
own performance technique and musical expression,
regardless of their appearance,
gender, nationality, age, education, or awards.
They are a breath of fresh air in the world of classical music.
We want to bring virtual artists into the world of classical music,
nurture them to become beloved figures,
and create opportunities for people of all ages to attend classical music concerts.
We would also like to provide those who
have great performance skills
yet haven't had the chance to win awards or perform
with a new opportunity to thrive as virtual artists.
This project, “ポルタメタ -portameta-”, was launched with this in mind.
We want to bring virtual artists into the world of classical music,
nurture them to become beloved figures,
and create opportunities for people of all ages to attend classical music concerts.
We would also like to provide those who
have great performance skills
yet haven't had the chance to win awards or perform
with a new opportunity to thrive as virtual artists.
This project, “ポルタメタ -portameta-”, was launched with this in mind.
“ポルタメタ -portameta-” is a word combining the musical term
“portamento” and “meta” meaning of “high dimension”.
We hope that people who have never been to a music concert
will gradually become fans of classical music
just as musical notes blend seamlessly in a "portamento".
“ポルタメタ -portameta-” is a word combining
the musical term “portamento” and “meta”
meaning of “high dimension”.
We hope that people who have never been to
a music concert will gradually become
fans of classical music just as
musical notes blend seamlessly in a “portamento”.
Auditions - Virtual Pianist Wanted!
We are looking for "virtual artists" who can convey the enjoyment of listening and playing
classical music and playing musical instruments to people of all generations.
Our first call is for a pianist.
Those who pass the audition will perform without showing their faces, using an exclusive virtual avatar for video streaming and performing at concerts.
We are looking for "virtual artists" who can convey the enjoyment of listening and playing
classical music and playing musical instruments to people of all generations.
Our first call is for a pianist.
Those who pass the audition will perform without showing their faces, using an exclusive virtual avatar for video streaming and performing at concerts.
Message from Keitaro Harada, Judge and Conductor
Message from Keitaro Harada,
Judge and Conductor
The synergy between virtual reality
and an orchestra has been on my wish list for a long time!
In the summer of 2023,
I just premiered Madame Butterfly at Cincinnati Opera based on
the concept of the world of VR.
Therefore, I am extremely eager to see my musical family,
the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra,
present the marriage of VR and orchestra on the concert stage in Japan.
There has never been anything like this before and it is extremely innovative.
This project, KADOKAWA+Tokyo Symphony Orchestra,
will open up a new era in music history.
It is my strong belief that this will result in
new enthusiasts for the concert series of the symphony orchestra.
Here is your chance to be part of another chapter in classical music history.
I'm looking forward to your entry!
The synergy between virtual reality
and an orchestra has been on my wish list for a long time!
In the summer of 2023,
I just premiered Madame Butterfly at Cincinnati Opera
based on the concept of the world of VR.
Therefore, I am extremely eager to see my musical family,
the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra,
present the marriage of VR and orchestra
on the concert stage in Japan.
There has never been anything
like this before and it is extremely innovative.
This project, KADOKAWA+Tokyo Symphony Orchestra,
will open up a new era in music history.
It is my strong belief that this will result in
new enthusiasts for the concert series
of the symphony orchestra.
Here is your chance to be part of
another chapter in classical music history.
I'm looking forward to your entry!
{
Activity Details
}
♪
♪
Regular activities (performance-based activities) on a weekly basis
Regular activities (performance-based activities)
on a weekly basis
♪
♪
Artist activities such as regular recording of performance videos
and music concert
Artist activities such as regular recording of
performance videos and music concert
{
Application Requirements
}
♪
♪
Regardless of age, gender, nationality, or place of residence
Regardless of age, gender, nationality,
or place of residence
♪
♪
Regardless of experience in activities of streaming or performance
Regardless of experience in activities of streaming
or performance
♪
♪
Applicants must be able to communicate in Japanese
Applicants must be able to communicate in Japanese
♪
♪
Those who have dreams and goals for performance activities
Those who have dreams and goals for performance
activities
{
Other Requirements
}
♪
Able to perform participate in our project continuously
for at least one year from the end of the audition.
Able to perform participate in
our project continuously for at least one year
from the end of the audition.
♪
Currently not affiliated to an agency, record company,
or other similar organization,
or terminate the contract at your own risk upon being hired.
Currently not affiliated to an agency, record company,
or other similar organization,
or terminate the contract at your own risk upon
being hired.
♪
Able to sign a contract with us as an individual
Able to sign a contract with us as an individual
{
How to Apply
}
♪
Please take a video in the following way, upload it on YouTube with limited public access or on Niconico with private access, and include the link in the application form.
Please take a video in the following way, upload it on YouTube with limited public access or on Niconico with private access, and include the link in the application form.
♪
The video must be recorded within 6 months prior to the date of application.
The video must be recorded within 6 months prior
to the date of application.
♪
The video must be recorded in the following order, at the same venue, and on the same day.
Self-introduction (within 1 minute) → compulsory pieces → free-choice piece (any genre, within 10 minutes).
The video must be recorded in the following order,
at the same venue, and on the same day.
Self-introduction (within 1 minute) →
compulsory pieces →
free-choice piece (any genre, within 10 minutes).
♪
Compulsory pieces: The following two pieces of music must be performed.
・Chopin Etude in C major, Op. 10 No. 1
・Chopin Etude in G sharp minor, Op. 25 No. 6
Compulsory pieces:
The following two pieces of music must be performed.
・Chopin Etude in C major, Op. 10 No. 1
・Chopin Etude in G sharp minor, Op. 25 No. 6
♪
The video must be recorded in landscape mode, with fixed camera angles, and without editing.
The video must be recorded in landscape mode,
with fixed camera angles, and without editing.
♪
The applicant's face, body, and hands must be shown clearly during the whole filming.
The applicant's face, body, and hands must be shown
clearly during the whole filming.
♪
Please make sure the video free of any noise that may affect the performance.
Please make sure the video free of any noise that
may affect the performance.
♪
♪
If it is judged that the sound does not match the hand movements during the performance,
the application may be excluded from the judging.
If it is judged that the sound does not match the hand
movements during the performance,
the application may be excluded from the judging.
{
Schedule
}
Application Period
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 12:00 – Friday, January 5, 2024 23:59 (JST)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 12:00
–
Friday, January 5, 2024 23:59 (JST)
Applicants who pass the first-round selection will be notified of the second-round selection
by email around the end of January 2024.
The second round of selection is scheduled on February 27th, 2024 (Tues.)
at Parthenon Tama with a practical skill test and an interview.
(Alternate dates can be discussed with applicants who pass the first round)
The selected piece to perform will be "Rhapsody in Blue."
The schedule for the second round will be announced on SNS and
our website around the end of December.
Applicants who pass the first-round selection
will be notified of the second-round selection
by email around the end of January 2024.
The second round of selection is
scheduled on February 27th, 2024 (Tues.)
at Parthenon Tama with
a practical skill test and an interview.
(Alternate dates can be discussed
with applicants who pass the first round)
and include a face-to-face skill check and an interview.
The selected piece to perform will be "Rhapsody in Blue."
The schedule for the second round will be
announced on SNS and our website around
the end of December.
{
Activity Support
}
♪
Provide characters, Live2D models, and 3D models for activities
Provide characters, Live2D models,
and 3D models for activities
♪
Lend livestreaming equipment
Lend livestreaming equipment
♪
Support activities as a virtual artist
Support activities as a virtual artist
{
Meet Our Judges
}
Judge: Keitaro Harada, Conductor
Recipient of the prestigious 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, conductor Keitaro Harada is armed with intensity and depth, consistently providing riveting concerts and opera performances in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. And as Music & Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic since the 2020-21 season—where he has recently renewed his contract through the 2026-27 season—Harada has transformed the quality of the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence. Associate Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Harada has also forged a close connection with the NHK Symphony, with whom he appears frequently. His eclectic musical scope ranges from symphony, opera, and chamber works to pops, film scores, educational outreach, and multidisciplinary projects, all of which enrich his programming.
Official Website:kharada.com / @KHconductor
Yoshitaka Hirooka
Yoshitaka Hirooka was born in Kobe, Japan in 1974. He spent childhood in Paris, France, and started playing the violin at the age of 3. He graduated from Rokko Junior High School and Music Department of Nishinomiya High School (Hyogo). He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, USA) while a student at Tokyo University of the Arts. After graduating, he joined the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster in 1998. He became Managing Director on 1 August 2022 after serving as TSO assistant Concertmaster for 24 years.
Yoshitaka Hirooka was born in Kobe, Japan in 1974. He spent childhood in Paris, France, and started playing the violin at the age of 3. He graduated from Rokko Junior High School and Music Department of Nishinomiya High School (Hyogo). He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, USA) while a student at Tokyo University of the Arts. After graduating, he joined the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster in 1998. He became Managing Director on 1 August 2022 after serving as TSO assistant Concertmaster for 24 years.
©Akira Muto
Yuko Mifune
Born in Tokyo, award-winning pianist Yuko Mifune moved with her family to New York City when she was six years old. In New York, her early studies were with Mitsuko Ichimura, Jerome and Ronit Lowenthal, and at the age of twelve she returned to Japan and continued her studies with virtuoso pianists Akiko Iguchi, Yoko Okumura, and Kazuko Yasukawa. Ms. Mifune has captured several impressive awards in Japan, including first prize at the prestigious Japan Music Competition. She graduated Toho Gakuen University and was awarded a 2 year scholarship from the Japanese Government to attend The Julliard School in NY where she studied under Martin Canin. She also studied chamber music with the late Samuel Sanders. In '91, she made her brilliant US debut in Los Angeles, winning praise from the L.A.Times. As first prize winner of Frinna Awerbuch International Piano Competition and Julliard Soloist Audition, she performed at Carnegie Hall and at Lincoln Center and her performance was broadcasted throughout the nation by WQXR. Thereafter, she returned to Japan and has maintained an active concert schedule as a top soloist. She has been invited internationally and has toured with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and St.Petersburg Orchestra in Moscow, followed by their Japan tour. Other cities include Seoul, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey, and so on. Ms. Mifune has also been successful in the media – having her own radio program, and being the host of NHK program "Weekly Book Review" for 6 yrs. She currently teaches at Kyoto City University of Arts and holds master classes and children's outreach program as well. She has started a sensationally unique classic duo "OBSESSION" with drums & percussionist Akira Horikoshi in 2014 and is expanding more fans crossover. Their debut album "OBSESSION" has won critical acclaim and was chosen as one of best CD of the month in Record Geijyutsu(classical audio magazine), as well as Best CD Shop Award of the year. Her beautiful sound and dynamic virtuosity have always inspired many audiences, and has also garnered critical acclaim for her broad repertoire which spans from baroque to contemporary music. Professor, Kyoto City University of Arts Official HP : yukomifune.com
Born in Tokyo, award-winning pianist Yuko Mifune moved with her family to New York City when she was six years old. In New York, her early studies were with Mitsuko Ichimura, Jerome and Ronit Lowenthal, and at the age of twelve she returned to Japan and continued her studies with virtuoso pianists Akiko Iguchi, Yoko Okumura, and Kazuko Yasukawa. Ms. Mifune has captured several impressive awards in Japan, including first prize at the prestigious Japan Music Competition. She graduated Toho Gakuen University and was awarded a 2 year scholarship from the Japanese Government to attend The Julliard School in NY where she studied under Martin Canin. She also studied chamber music with the late Samuel Sanders. In '91, she made her brilliant US debut in Los Angeles, winning praise from the L.A.Times. As first prize winner of Frinna Awerbuch International Piano Competition and Julliard Soloist Audition, she performed at Carnegie Hall and at Lincoln Center and her performance was broadcasted throughout the nation by WQXR. Thereafter, she returned to Japan and has maintained an active concert schedule as a top soloist. She has been invited internationally and has toured with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and St.Petersburg Orchestra in Moscow, followed by their Japan tour. Other cities include Seoul, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey, and so on. Ms. Mifune has also been successful in the media – having her own radio program, and being the host of NHK program "Weekly Book Review" for 6 yrs. She currently teaches at Kyoto City University of Arts and holds master classes and children's outreach program as well. She has started a sensationally unique classic duo "OBSESSION" with drums & percussionist Akira Horikoshi in 2014 and is expanding more fans crossover. Their debut album "OBSESSION" has won critical acclaim and was chosen as one of best CD of the month in Record Geijyutsu(classical audio magazine), as well as Best CD Shop Award of the year. Her beautiful sound and dynamic virtuosity have always inspired many audiences, and has also garnered critical acclaim for her broad repertoire which spans from baroque to contemporary music. Professor, Kyoto City University of Arts Official HP : yukomifune.com
©Akira Muto
Yuko Nakamichi
With her moving and richly expressive musicality and characteristic warm timbres, Yuko Nakamichi is a pianist beloved by audiences. Yuko Nakamichi studied under Mitsuko Kinpara, Noriko Abe and the late Kazuhiko Nakajima. In the U.S., she studied with Sylvia Muehling. After graduating from Toho Gakuen Music High School, she went to Germany to study under Klaus Schilde. She graduated from the Hochschule Fur Musik in Munich and from that institution's graduate school, completing programs in both the Piano and Chamber Music Divisions. She gave solo performances based in Germany. Nakamichi has been the recipient of numerous awards in music competitions. She took First Prize in the Piano Division of the 36th All Japan Students Music Competition (Junior High School Section), was awarded the highest prize that year (Second Prize) in the Adolfo L. Apreda International Piano Competition, received Second Prize and a special prize in the 37th Maria Canals International Music Competition Piano Division, and took Third Prize in the 10th Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition. With a debut recital at Kioi Hall in May 1996, Nakamichi began her solo career in Japan in earnest. In addition to recitals in many locations, she currently performs with major Japanese orchestras and is also active in the field of chamber music. Since 2006 Nakamichi has also been actively engaged in concerts which consider the subject of peace, and concerts with social significance, including the recitation play "Moonlight Summer (a collaborative project with Toen theatrical group)," in which she performs each year as pianist. In addition, Nakamichi has shown a commitment to the promotion of musical education, and energetically carries out a variety of performances, such as concerts in which she shares the joy of music and the piano with children, and collaborative concerts with recitation. Her concerts tracing the 300-year history of the piano through piano pieces and talks have also received high praise. Nakamichi has released CDs from Victor Entertainment and Octavia Records. Yuko Nakamichi is a professor in the Music Performance Department of Osaka University of Arts.
With her moving and richly expressive musicality and characteristic warm timbres, Yuko Nakamichi is a pianist beloved by audiences. Yuko Nakamichi studied under Mitsuko Kinpara, Noriko Abe and the late Kazuhiko Nakajima. In the U.S., she studied with Sylvia Muehling. After graduating from Toho Gakuen Music High School, she went to Germany to study under Klaus Schilde. She graduated from the Hochschule Fur Musik in Munich and from that institution's graduate school, completing programs in both the Piano and Chamber Music Divisions. She gave solo performances based in Germany. Nakamichi has been the recipient of numerous awards in music competitions. She took First Prize in the Piano Division of the 36th All Japan Students Music Competition (Junior High School Section), was awarded the highest prize that year (Second Prize) in the Adolfo L. Apreda International Piano Competition, received Second Prize and a special prize in the 37th Maria Canals International Music Competition Piano Division, and took Third Prize in the 10th Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition. With a debut recital at Kioi Hall in May 1996, Nakamichi began her solo career in Japan in earnest. In addition to recitals in many locations, she currently performs with major Japanese orchestras and is also active in the field of chamber music. Since 2006 Nakamichi has also been actively engaged in concerts which consider the subject of peace, and concerts with social significance, including the recitation play "Moonlight Summer (a collaborative project with Toen theatrical group)," in which she performs each year as pianist. In addition, Nakamichi has shown a commitment to the promotion of musical education, and energetically carries out a variety of performances, such as concerts in which she shares the joy of music and the piano with children, and collaborative concerts with recitation. Her concerts tracing the 300-year history of the piano through piano pieces and talks have also received high praise. Nakamichi has released CDs from Victor Entertainment and Octavia Records. Yuko Nakamichi is a professor in the Music Performance Department of Osaka University of Arts.
©Akira Muto
Hibiki Tamura
In October 2007, at the age of 20, he won first prize at the Ron Thibault International Competition and was immediately noticed by the world.
In February 2009, He made his subscription concert debut and Japan tour with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra under Bishkov, and has performed with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic, Japan Philharmonic, Nagoya Philharmonic, Kyoto Symphony,
Osaka Philharmonic, Century Orchestra Japan, Tokyo City Philharmonic, Kanagawa Philharmonic, Sendai Philharmonic, and Gunma Symphony Orcestra. He has given recitals throughout Japan.
He is also active in chamber music, performing with Antonio Meneses, Dai Miyata, Fumiaki Miura, and many other artists of his generation.
In March 2019, he will also perform in a ballet created by Manuel Legris, his first collaboration with a dance stage.
His activities have taken him to Japan, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Born in 1986 in Anjo City, Aichi, Japan, he began playing the piano at the age of 3. At the age of 18, he studied at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg. He graduated from the Osaka College of Music in 2015. He studied with Naohito Fukaya, Koki Shimizu, Claudio Soares and Christoph Rieske. He has released four solo CDs.
Awards received include: 2003 Arion Award, 2006 Idemitsu Music Award, 2008 Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, International Art Division, 2008 Anjo City Citizens' Honor Award, 2009 Hotel Okura Music Award, 2015 Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival Award, Music Division New Artist Award, 2015 Aichi Prefecture Art and Culture Award for Cultural New Artist, 2017 Kyoto City Art New Artist Award He is currently a professor at Kyoto City University of Arts.
He is currently Associate Professor at Kyoto City University of Arts, Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Osaka College of Music, and Visiting Associate Professor at Nagoya College of Music.
In October 2007, at the age of 20, he won first prize at the Ron Thibault International Competition and was immediately noticed by the world.
In February 2009, He made his subscription concert debut and Japan tour with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra under Bishkov, and has performed with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic, Japan Philharmonic, Nagoya Philharmonic, Kyoto Symphony,
Osaka Philharmonic, Century Orchestra Japan, Tokyo City Philharmonic, Kanagawa Philharmonic, Sendai Philharmonic, and Gunma Symphony Orcestra. He has given recitals throughout Japan.
He is also active in chamber music, performing with Antonio Meneses, Dai Miyata, Fumiaki Miura, and many other artists of his generation.
In March 2019, he will also perform in a ballet created by Manuel Legris, his first collaboration with a dance stage.
His activities have taken him to Japan, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Born in 1986 in Anjo City, Aichi, Japan, he began playing the piano at the age of 3. At the age of 18, he studied at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg. He graduated from the Osaka College of Music in 2015. He studied with Naohito Fukaya, Koki Shimizu, Claudio Soares and Christoph Rieske. He has released four solo CDs.
Awards received include: 2003 Arion Award, 2006 Idemitsu Music Award, 2008 Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, International Art Division, 2008 Anjo City Citizens' Honor Award, 2009 Hotel Okura Music Award, 2015 Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival Award, Music Division New Artist Award, 2015 Aichi Prefecture Art and Culture Award for Cultural New Artist, 2017 Kyoto City Art New Artist Award He is currently a professor at Kyoto City University of Arts.
He is currently Associate Professor at Kyoto City University of Arts, Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Osaka College of Music, and Visiting Associate Professor at Nagoya College of Music.
{
Rules & Regulations
}
<Rules & Regulations>
●All application materials will not be returned.
●Only those who have passed the selection process will be notified of the results.
●We will not respond to individual inquiries regarding the screening process or results.
●If the applicant is a minor, it is necessary to obtain the consent of his/her legal representative.
●All transportation and accommodation or any other expenses required to participate in this audition will be covered by KADOKAWA CORPORATION.
●Please note that the selection schedule is subject to change due to the spread of COVID-19, natural disasters, etc.
●If the candidate is found disqualified for the selection after the admission, his/her qualification may be revoked.
●The Rules & Regulations are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. For any disputes (including conciliation) that may arise between KADOKAWA CORPORATION and applicants in relation to this audition, the Tokyo District Court shall be the exclusive consensus court of jurisdiction for its first instance.
●If you have any inquiries, please contact us via the [Contact Us] on this website.
<Privacy Policy>
The personal information you provide will be strictly managed in accordance with KADOKAWA CORPORATION's “Basic Policy on Personal Information Protection” . In addition, the information you provide will be disclosed to DWANGO Co., Ltd., Japan Arts Corporation, and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra to the extent necessary for the audition screening.
<Rules & Regulations>
●All application materials will not be returned.
●Only those who have passed the selection process will be notified of the results.
●We will not respond to individual inquiries regarding the screening process or results.
●If the applicant is a minor, it is necessary to obtain the consent of his/her legal representative.
●All transportation and accommodation or any other expenses required to participate in this audition will be covered by KADOKAWA CORPORATION.
●Please note that the selection schedule is subject to change due to the spread of COVID-19, natural disasters, etc.
●If the candidate is found disqualified for the selection after the admission, his/her qualification may be revoked.
●The Rules & Regulations are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. For any disputes (including conciliation) that may arise between KADOKAWA CORPORATION and applicants in relation to this audition, the Tokyo District Court shall be the exclusive consensus court of jurisdiction for its first instance.
●If you have any inquiries, please contact us via the [Contact Us] on this website.
<Privacy Policy>
The personal information you provide will be strictly managed in accordance with KADOKAWA CORPORATION's “Basic Policy on Personal Information Protection” . In addition, the information you provide will be disclosed to DWANGO Co., Ltd., Japan Arts Corporation, and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra to the extent necessary for the audition screening.
Application for the audition is closed.
{
Contact Us
}
Please use the form below for inquiries regarding auditions.
We will answer your questions via SNS and our official website.
Please understand that we will not be able to reply individually.
Please use the form below for inquiries regarding auditions.
We will answer your questions via SNS
and our official website.
Please understand that
we will not be able to reply individually.
Contact Us
Contact Us
▶︎
{
Organize
Organize
}
{
Special Supervisor
}
