14 Days Exploring the Charm of Bach at 1,200m Elevation: The 46th Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival

The 46th Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival will be held from Monday, August 17, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Kusatsu Music Forest Concert Hall in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture.

Tickets are currently available through Confetti (operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd.).

There will also be a performance in Karuizawa on Monday, August 31, at the Karuizawa Ohga Hall in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture.

The Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival is held every summer in the famous hot spring resort of Kusatsu. The theme for this 46th edition is 'Bach is Cool.' This year's festival offers a 14-day program designed to explore the depth and breadth of J.S. Bach's works.

Performing artists include festival regulars such as Christopher Hinterhuber, Thomas Indermühle, and Claudio Brizi, as well as new additions like Johanna Malangré and Reinhold Friedrich.

Kusatsu Onsen is located at an elevation of approximately 1,200m, offering a refreshing highland climate, high-quality music, rich nature, and excellent hot springs.

(Program Highlights)
- J.S. Bach: Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
- J.S. Bach (arr. G. Mahler): Suite based on Bach's Orchestral Suites
- J. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45
- G.F. Handel: Ombra mai fu
- A. Piazzolla: Fuga y misterio
- J.S. Bach: Chorale 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring'

(Festival Overview)
Dates: August 17 (Mon) – August 30 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Kusatsu Music Forest Concert Hall

(Ticket Prices - All seats reserved, tax included)
Category A: Adults 5,000 yen, U-25 2,500 yen
Category B: Adults 3,000 yen, U-25 1,500 yen
Category C: Adults 2,000 yen, U-25 1,000 yen

(Karuizawa Performance)
Date: August 31 (Mon), 2026, at 3:00 PM
Venue: Karuizawa Ohga Hall
Prices: Adults 5,000 yen, U-25 2,500 yen