Designing Voices for Our Lives
A project for the WORLD EXPO OSAKA 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

In 2025, the next World Expo will take place in Osaka, under the theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

As discussed in AEC’s recent ARTEMIS Project, one of our key objectives is to support students in becoming artists and makers who shape society. 

With this vision in mind, we have approached the Republic of Austria with a proposal to organise a special choir comprised of students from our member institutions, to perform a unique concert: The Power of Young Voices to Create a Better Future.

We are pleased to inform you that the Republic of Austria Pavilion has agreed to host this performance, and we have been invited to present the concert on Austria’s National Day at the Expo, on May 23rd, in the National Hall on the Expo grounds in Osaka.

This is a fantastic opportunity to increase the visibility of the AEC and bring our students together to engage with Expo 2025.

Sincerely,

Elisabeth Gutjahr (University Mozarteum Salzburg Rector, AEC Vice-President)

The project

The most human expression, the foundation of all communication, a medium of artistic expression, the carrier of our thoughts and feelings: all of this is embodied in the voice.

We think with our voice and language; we reflect internally and express outwardly what moves us. The voice is the physical form of our thoughts and emotions.

The ability to modulate the voice and the temporal organization of language are the two fundamental elements of all music: melody and rhythm.

Exploring the many facets of transforming thought and spoken word into song is the central theme of the project:

Designing Voices For Our Lives 

One student from as many AEC (Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen) member institutions as possible will gather in Osaka for the WORLD EXPO 2025 to rehearse and sing together for two weeks.

The highlight will be a concert on May 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the cultural center of EXPO 2025, the “National Day Hall.”

The musical program for the Austrian pavilion at EXPO 2025 is organized by Mozarteum University Salzburg. The project was created by its Rector, Prof. Elisabeth Gutjahr, who is also Vice President of the AEC, in coordination with the AEC Council.

Our vision is that from May 11 to May 23, students from as many AEC members as possible will gather in Osaka. Under the direction of Jörn Andresen, Professor of Choral Conducting at Mozarteum University, they will create a vibrant, multilingual a cappella program.

The concert theme will feature works that explore voice, words, and music—but above all, hope. Reflecting the motto “Voices for Our Lives,” it addresses the pressing question of where our world is headed in light of challenges like climate change, AI, the rise of authoritarian systems, armed conflicts, and other threats. How can we give voice to our hopes? What voices, what musical languages can open perspectives for our lives and our future?

The Basic Concept 

• A cappella concert(s) in Osaka and surrounding areas
• Project phase in Osaka from May 11 to May 23, 2025
• Singers: Students of Voice, Choral Conducting, Church Music, Music Education, etc.
• Requirements: Choral experience and enthusiasm, ability to prepare independently, vocal training

Each AEC member institution will select four students: one soprano, one alto, one tenor, and one bass. The four applications will then be submitted collectively by the Institution to Mozarteum University (designing.voices@moz.ac.at)

Each application should include:

• Audio files:
  • One aria from an opera or oratorio (max 5 minutes)
  • Brahms Op.74 – see “General Information Document below”
  • A vocal range test – see “General Information Document below”
• Completed application form
• High-resolution digital photo for promotional use
• Confirmation from the member institution to cover travel and accommodation expenses
• Agreement from student/s to (if selected) attend rehearsals as scheduled and prepare independently
• Consent for audio, video, and photo recordings from the performances to be used for promotional purposes by the AEC, member institutions, and Expo 2025

A jury at Mozarteum Salzburg will select one singer per member institution based on the submitted audio files and notify the selected singers by January 31 at the latest.

Three online choir rehearsals will be held:

• Sunday, March 16, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Each AEC member institution will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for its selected singer(s). Accommodations in youth hostels will be organized by Mozarteum University, while flights will be arranged by the member institutions.

Sheet music will be provided by Mozarteum University in digital form for preparation and in print in Japan. Braille sheet music will be provided for visually impaired singers.

Timeline:

• November 15 – January 6: Selection process at each institution
• January 7: Application submission deadline to Mozarteum University
• By January 31: Notification of selected singers and distribution of sheet music

Online rehearsals:

• Sunday, March 16, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• May 10: Arrival in Kobe, Japan
• May 11: Get-together in Kobe from 6:00 p.m.
• May 12: Rehearsals begin in Kobe at 10:00 a.m.
• May 12 – May 22: Rehearsals
• May 23: Concert at Expo 2025, Osaka
• May 24: Departure

Email address: designing.voices@moz.ac.at