Artistic Advisor

Founded in 1980 by violinist Koji Toyoda and Kazuyuki Toyama, the Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy & Festival has spent over 45 years as a cornerstone of Japanese culture. Built on the leadership of successive directors like Akira Nishimura and current advisors Takashi Yoshimatsu and Otto Biba, the festival is now embarking on a transformative journey toward its 50th anniversary in 2030. At its core lies the Academy. Unlike traditional festivals, Kusatsu was built around master classes where world-class artists mentor students of all backgrounds—from aspiring professionals to dedicated amateurs. This immersive two-week environment offers an irreplaceable escape into the world of music. The festival’s founding spirit was personified by the world-renowned tenor Ernst Haefliger. A lecturer since the festival’s fourth year, “Father Haefliger” was deeply beloved by Japanese audiences. His tireless devotion to teaching morning and night earned him the title of honorary citizen of Kusatsu, and his name remains engraved at the Yubatake hot spring to this day. In a move that feels like destiny, the festival now welcomes his son, Michael Haefliger, as Artistic Advisor. Michael brings a peerless global reputation, having served as Artistic Director of the Lucerne Festival for 26 years. His career has been defined by innovation, from founding the Lucerne Festival Academy with Pierre Boulez to launching “Ark Nova”—a mobile concert hall created to bring music to the Tohoku region following the 2011 earthquake. This appointment represents a poetic homecoming. Both father and son share a profound connection to Japan and a belief in the power of music education. By restructuring the organization and revitalizing the Academy under Michael’s visionary leadership, the festival aims to enhance its global prestige while remaining a vital cultural force in Gunma. Together, we look forward to the next 50 years of nurturing young talent and celebrating world-class artistry.