The 11th Kobe International Flute Competition is scheduled from August 26 to September 7, 2025. Aspiring participants can apply between September 1 and October 31, 2024, exclusively through the online application service MUVAC. Detailed information, including rules and conditions, is available on the competition’s official website Kobe International Flute Competition
Founded in 1985, the Kobe International Flute Competition is held every four years and focuses exclusively on the flute. Initially part of the cultural events for the Universiade in Kobe, a major international sports event for university athletes, the competition has continued to grow despite challenges like the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the 2022 edition included an online component due to pandemic restrictions.
The competition aims to offer young flutists from around the world the chance to launch their international careers while fostering cultural exchange. It is unique in its exclusive focus on flute performance, making it one of the few such events worldwide. In 1987, it became the first Japanese member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC)
Recent competitions have seen a record number of applicants from various countries, with the 2022 edition featuring 483 applicants from 44 countries. The jury, composed of distinguished flutists and educators, further enhances the event’s prestige.
Notable past winners include:
- Emmanuel Pahud (1989) from France, who is a principal flutist with the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Sarah Louvion (2001) from France, who serves as the principal flutist with the Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra.
- Mathilde Calderini (2013) from France, who is the principal flutist with Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
Jury of the 11th Kobe International Festival:
- Chairperson: SAKAI Hideaki, Japan
- Members:
- Silvia CAREDDU, Italy
- Renate GREISS-ARMIN, Germany
- Timothy HUTCHINS, Canada
- Andrea LIEBERKNECHT, Germany
- Andrea OLIVA, Italy
- PIAO Meixiang, China
- Felix RENGGLI, Switzerland
- SAKUMA Yumiko, Japan
The competition consists of three rounds: the First, Second, and Final Rounds. A maximum of 40 contestants who pass the Preliminary Screening (video pre-selection) will participate in the competition. The order in which contestants perform will be determined by drawing lots for each round. All performances will be open to the public and streamed online.
Prizes:
- First prize: 2,000,000 Japanese yen / Certificate of Merit
- Third prize: 500,000 Japanese yen / Certificate of Merit
- Fourth to sixth prizes: 200,000 Japanese yen / Certificate of Merit
Special prizes may be awarded apart from those mentioned above. Additional awards may be given by organizations or individuals who support the objectives of the competition.
For complete information visit: Kobe International Flute Competition website
