Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra Announces 2026-27 Season and Subscription Tickets; Young Musicians Graduate in Three Years

The Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra (PAC), a professional orchestra with a unique academy model where young musicians rotate every three years, has announced its 2026-27 season. Established in 2005 as a symbol of emotional recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, PAC selects young musicians from Japan, Asia, and Europe, who then spend a maximum of three years gaining experience before moving on to the next stage of their careers. Currently, 41 members are part of the orchestra, and over 140 alumni are active in orchestras worldwide. New members join every September, continuously shaping PAC's sound. Artistic Director Yutaka Sado will conduct three performances in September, January, and August. The January performance will feature a re-enactment of R. Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben," first performed at the inaugural regular concert. The August performance will welcome three-time Grammy Award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Other notable conductors and soloists include Hubert Soudant, Michael Sanderling, Kahchun Wong, Alexandra Conunova, Paul Daniel, Eitetsu Hayashi (taiko), and Tomoki Sakata (piano). PAC is also dedicated to community-based activities as a public orchestra. Since 2006, its "Wakuwaku Orchestra Classroom" has invited all first-year public junior high school students in Hyogo Prefecture, with approximately 45,000 students annually experiencing live orchestral performances. Additionally, outreach activities to elementary and special needs schools provide children with opportunities to engage with music. The 2026-27 season subscription tickets (9 performances) allow patrons to choose their preferred day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) and enjoy all nine regular concerts from the same seat. These tickets offer savings of up to ¥12,600 compared to single tickets and include various benefits. Performances are scheduled from September 2026 to August 2027, starting at 3:00 PM at the Hyogo Performing Arts Center KOBELCO Grand Hall. Ticket prices for the 9-performance subscription are ¥32,400 for A seats, ¥27,000 for B seats, and ¥19,800 for C seats. Sales begin with member pre-sales (phone/internet) for B/C seats on April 17 (10:00 AM) and A seats on April 18 (10:00 AM). General sales (phone/internet) start on April 19 (10:00 AM), with box office sales on April 21 (10:00 AM) if seats remain. For reservations and inquiries, contact the Arts Center Ticket Office at 0798-68-0255 (10:00-17:00, closed Mondays except holidays) or visit https://www.gcenter-hyogo.jp/.