Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy & Festival

Overview

The Kusatsu International Music Academy & Festival is a classical music event held annually in summer at Kusatsu Onsen (hot spring resort) in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. Its official name is "Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival," and it is commonly known as the "Kusatsu Music Festival." This festival consists of two main components: master classes (workshops) led by international musicians and public concerts linked to those classes.

The main venue is the "Kusatsu Ongaku no Mori International Concert Hall," located in a forested area near the iconic "Yubatake" (hot spring source) of Kusatsu Onsen. This hall is a wooden structure surrounded by natural woodlands, designed with acoustics that enhance the delicate sounds of classical music. A distinctive feature of this festival is that concerts are held daily for approximately two weeks from mid-August to late August.

History and Origin

The Kusatsu International Music Academy & Festival held its first edition in 1980. The background of its founding lies in Kusatsu Town's ambition to promote cultural development as a "town of music" and to provide an international venue for music education. From the beginning, world-renowned musicians were invited as instructors, and the academy established itself as one of Japan's leading summer music programs.

The theme of the first edition was "The Music of Johann Sebastian Bach." Since then, a specific theme has been selected each year, and programs are structured accordingly. Themes sometimes focus on particular composers such as Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven, while other years address broader music history topics like "The Path to Viennese Classicism" or "The Stream of Romanticism."

In 1991, a dedicated concert hall, the "Kusatsu Ongaku no Mori International Concert Hall," was constructed within the forested area of Kusatsu Town. Previously, concerts were held at the Tenguyama Rest House, a facility originally built as a ski slope restaurant that had been converted into a performance space. The completion of this purpose-built hall enabled higher-quality performances. In 2002, an Italian-made pipe organ was installed in the hall, allowing organ works to be performed.

Over the years, the Kusatsu Academy has been recognized by European musicians as a "world-class academy." This reputation stems from the high caliber of invited instructors, who are internationally renowned performers and educators, as well as the elevated skill level of participating students. Being invited to this academy and festival is considered an honor among musicians.

Highlights

Regular Concerts These evening concerts are held at the main venue, the Kusatsu Ongaku no Mori International Concert Hall. Programs include solo and ensemble performances by the faculty, as well as collaborations with participating students. These concerts offer audiences the opportunity to experience authentic classical music, combining the hall's superior acoustics with the advanced techniques of the performers. Since different programs are presented each day, visitors attending multiple days will find fresh experiences.

Morning Forest Concerts The "Morning Forest Concerts," held in the late morning, have a more casual atmosphere than the evening performances. These concerts allow entry for preschool children, making them accessible for families. Audiences can enjoy the green of the surrounding natural forest through the windows while spending a morning moment accompanied by music.

Post-Bath Concerts These concerts are held around the Yubatake area of Kusatsu Onsen or at local inns, a format unique to the hot spring resort. They are designed so that visitors in yukata (casual summer kimono) can drop in informally, providing an opportunity for both tourists and local residents to enjoy music together. These concerts are often free of charge, creating a distinctive atmosphere that harmonizes with the steam rising from the hot springs.

Children's Concerts Aimed at nurturing future classical music fans, these programs are designed for children. They incorporate elements such as instrument introductions and hands-on playing experiences to help children become familiar with classical music. For families traveling with children, these concerts offer a valuable opportunity to participate without worry.

Master Classes (Open Lessons) Lessons in which academy students receive direct instruction from world-class musicians are sometimes open to the public. This provides a rare opportunity to observe up close how aspiring young performers refine their techniques and expressive abilities. Audiences can witness the teaching methods of top-tier instructors and the growth process of the students.

Balcony Seats (Premium Viewing) Some concerts offer balcony seats on the second floor of the hall. These seats are priced higher than regular seats but provide an angle overlooking the stage, allowing a panoramic view of the performance. The wooden architecture of the hall combined with natural light creates a special viewing experience.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Generally held for about two weeks from mid-August to late August.
• Venue: The main venue is the "Kusatsu Ongaku no Mori International Concert Hall" in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. Sub-venues include the Tenguyama Rest House and various locations within Kusatsu Town.
• Access: By public transportation, take the JR Agatsuma Line to "Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station," then a route bus for about 25 minutes to the "Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal." From there, a shuttle bus runs for about 10 to 15 minutes. By car, take the Kan-etsu Expressway to "Shibukawa-Ikaho IC," then follow National Routes 353, 145, and 292 for approximately 60 kilometers, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Admission Fees: Fee structures vary by concert type. Categories include general seats for regular concerts, balcony seats, and U-25 discounts (for those aged 25 and under). However, amounts change annually, so refer to the official announcement. Some concerts may be offered free of charge.
• Parking: Free parking is available near the main venue (approximately 250 spaces). However, due to expected congestion during the summer tourist season, use of public transportation is recommended.
• Contact: Gunma Kusatsu International Music Association (TEL +81-3-5790-5561). Official site: https://kusa2.jp/
• Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased through the official website, by phone reservation, or at the venue's ticket counter. Accepted payment methods at the counter may include cash, PayPay, and Kusatsu Onsen Gratitude Tickets. Credit cards may not be accepted. Advance purchase is recommended.

Surrounding Area Information

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, with an onsen-gai (hot spring town) centered around the Yubatake. The Yubatake discharges approximately 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute, creating an impressive sight, and is illuminated at night for a fantastical atmosphere. Between concerts, visitors can stroll through the hot spring town and enjoy foot baths or public bathhouses.

Several museums and cultural facilities are located within Kusatsu Town. The Kusatsu Town Onsen Museum offers insights into the history of Kusatsu Onsen and traditional spa culture, deepening visitors' understanding of the local area. Additionally, the mountain landscapes of Mount Asama and Mount Shirane to the west of Kusatsu Onsen are popular destinations for hiking and scenic drives.

During the festival period, inns and hotels in Kusatsu Onsen may offer special packages. These might include combinations of concert tickets and accommodation, or plans linking hot spring bathing with music appreciation. Visitors can experience both the hot springs and the music, creating a stay unique to Kusatsu.

Related Information

• The event is organized by the public interest incorporated foundation "Gunma Kusatsu International Music Association" and Kusatsu Town. Supporting organizations include the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Gunma Prefecture, the Gunma Prefectural Board of Education, and other public institutions.
• Since its first edition in 1980 the festival has been held almost every year, apart from 2020, when it was cancelled for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed in 2021.
• In the past, world-famous musicians such as violinist Itzhak Perlman and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich have been invited as instructors.
• The festival theme changes each year, but the theme of the inaugural year, "Bach," is sometimes revisited as a starting point. Check the official website for the latest theme.
• Related concerts are sometimes staged at Karuizawa Ohga Hall in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture, about an hour by car from Kusatsu.
• Highlights of the festival's lessons and concerts are frequently covered by local media and classical music specialty magazines, giving it national recognition. The festival plays an important role in both promoting tourism to Kusatsu Onsen and contributing to cultural development.

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