The next International Flute Competition Ferdinand W. Neess is set to take place from June 23 to June 28, 2026, at the Museum Wiesbaden in Germany. This biennial event, named after the renowned collector and flutist Ferdinand Wolfgang Neess, aims to bridge the worlds of Art Nouveau and music from the early 20th century.
Participants in the competition will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a series of rounds, each designed to highlight different aspects of their musical abilities. The repertoire includes works by composers such as Emile Naoumoff, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, and Max Meyer-Olbersleben, among others. The final round, open to the public, will feature a program of the participants’ own choosing, allowing for a display of creativity and personal expression.
The competition offers substantial prizes, with the first prize set at €5,000, the second prize at €3,000, and the third prize at €2,000. Special prizes may also be awarded. The event not only celebrates musical excellence but also pays homage to the Art Nouveau movement, reflecting Neess’s passion for both music and visual art.
Ferdinand Wolfgang Neess was a passionate collector of Art Nouveau, amassing one of the most significant private collections in Europe. His collection includes refined furniture, artistically curved lamps, sculptures, candlesticks, pictures, and glasses. Neess’s love for Art Nouveau began in his youth and continued throughout his life, culminating in the donation of his extensive collection to the state of Hessen. This collection is now housed in the Museum Wiesbaden, where it attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
In addition to his passion for visual art, Neess was also an accomplished flutist. He found great joy and inner strength in playing the flute, considering music a relief from the material and financial burdens of his collection. The International Flute Competition Ferdinand W. Neess reflects this duality, celebrating both his contributions to the world of Art Nouveau and his love for flute music
For more information on the competition and how to apply, visit the official website.
Are you interested in participating in or attending this unique event?
