I am Kohki Totsuka, an Austrian citizen born in Tokyo, based in Vienna, with a background in philosophy of religion and intercultural studies as well as conducting and arts administration. I currently freelance as an orchestral conductor and manage orchestral projects, including my role with the UWM Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee, and I have served as a university assistant and lecturer, bridging research with performing arts. My work spans academic research, teaching, opera production support, and concert leadership. I hold an MM in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Philosophy BA/MA with distinction from the University of Vienna. I am fluent in German and Japanese, with strong command of English, and I enjoy translating, publishing, and organizing interdisciplinary events that connect music, philosophy, and culture.

Kohki Totsuka

I am Kohki Totsuka, an Austrian citizen born in Tokyo, based in Vienna, with a background in philosophy of religion and intercultural studies as well as conducting and arts administration. I currently freelance as an orchestral conductor and manage orchestral projects, including my role with the UWM Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee, and I have served as a university assistant and lecturer, bridging research with performing arts. My work spans academic research, teaching, opera production support, and concert leadership. I hold an MM in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Philosophy BA/MA with distinction from the University of Vienna. I am fluent in German and Japanese, with strong command of English, and I enjoy translating, publishing, and organizing interdisciplinary events that connect music, philosophy, and culture.

Available to hire

I am Kohki Totsuka, an Austrian citizen born in Tokyo, based in Vienna, with a background in philosophy of religion and intercultural studies as well as conducting and arts administration. I currently freelance as an orchestral conductor and manage orchestral projects, including my role with the UWM Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee, and I have served as a university assistant and lecturer, bridging research with performing arts.

My work spans academic research, teaching, opera production support, and concert leadership. I hold an MM in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Philosophy BA/MA with distinction from the University of Vienna. I am fluent in German and Japanese, with strong command of English, and I enjoy translating, publishing, and organizing interdisciplinary events that connect music, philosophy, and culture.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

German
Fluent
Japanese
Fluent
English
Fluent
Latin
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Russian
Beginner
Turkish
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Orchestral Conductor
August 1, 2025 - November 27, 2025
Freelance orchestral conductor providing leadership for rehearsals and performances across projects.
Orchestra Manager at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee
August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Overseeing administrative and artistic operations, coordinating rehearsals, concerts, and fundraising activities.
University Assistant (Prae Doc) at Institute of Intercultural Philosophy of Religion, University of Vienna
September 1, 2023 - September 1, 2023
Graduate research and teaching assistant supporting intercultural philosophy of religion research and teaching.
Assistant to the artistic director at Teatro Barocco
August 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Opera production of Ignaz Holzbauer: Tod der Dido; assisted artistic director with production tasks.
Lecturer at Institute of Islamic Studies, University of Vienna
February 1, 2017 - February 1, 2017
Lecturer for Graduate Seminars in Master of Islamic Education; contributed to course design and instruction.
Teaching Assistant at Institute of Philosophy, University of Vienna
September 1, 2019 - September 1, 2019
Teaching Assistant for Prof. DDr. Esther Ramharter in Philosophy of Religion & Logic.

Education

MM in Orchestral Conducting at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Philosophy, BA and MA with distinction at University of Vienna
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2019
Non-degree 4-semester program in Ethics at University of Vienna
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Music Education (without completion) at University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna
October 1, 2012 - September 1, 2013
Matura with distinction at Landstraßer Gymnasium, Wien
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

IELTS
December 16, 2022 - November 27, 2025
Pressestipendium for the 18th Philosophicum Lech Prof. Konrad Paul Liessmann
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Merit Scholarship, University of Vienna
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Scholarship of the Austrian Institute of Economics and Social Philosophy, Austrian Academy
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services