The third edition of the International Flute Competition “Moyse” has successfully concluded. Founded by renowned flutist and New Bulgarian University (NBU) PhD professor Luisa Sello, the event was organized with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Bulgaria, the Italian Cultural Institute in Sofia, and Confindustria Bulgaria.
At the award ceremony, Italian Ambassador Marcello Apicella praised the exceptional level of talent and the large international turnout, underscoring music’s power as a universal language and a force for peace – especially meaningful in today’s tense geopolitical climate. He highlighted the role of music in bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds and continents, fostering connection across cultural and political divides.
The 2025 edition of the competition attracted participants from 23 countries across three continents, including Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, France, Germany, Japan, Greece, Honduras, India, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Romania, Serbia, Spain, the United States, and Turkey. This impressive international participation reflected music’s unique role as a form of cultural diplomacy, uniting people through shared artistic expression.
Winners were selected by an esteemed international jury featuring flutists Carol Wincenc (USA), Manuel Guerrero Ruiz (Spain), Mihi Kim (France/South Korea), Renata Penezić (Croatia), and Luisa Sello (Italy). Prizes were awarded across five age categories: Junior (up to 10 years), A (up to 13), A1 (up to 17), B (up to 23), and C (up to 33).
The ceremony welcomed several distinguished guests, including Hon. Deborah Bergamini, Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and Vice President of the Italian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, who was in Bulgaria on an official mission. Also in attendance were Milena Shushulova, Director of the Music Department at NBU; Roberto Santorelli, President of Confindustria Bulgaria; Austrian Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm; and representatives from the Conrad Klemm Association.
This year’s Moyse Competition not only celebrated musical excellence but also reaffirmed the flute’s role in building cultural bridges and promoting international understanding.
