Flutists, get ready – one of the most prestigious opportunities for rising talent on the East Coast returns in 2026!
The Young Artist Competition, a featured event of the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, will take place in February 2026 and is open to flutists aged 29 or younger as of February 1, 2026. This highly anticipated competition showcases emerging artists who have completed an undergraduate degree in music and are ready to take the stage among some of the finest talent in the nation.
Key Dates:
- Applications open: September 1, 2025
- Deadline to apply: November 1, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT
Prizes:
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $750
- 3rd Prize: $500
Three finalists will be invited to perform live at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, held in Herndon, Virginia, for a distinguished panel and an enthusiastic audience. The competition is open to flutists worldwide – no residency requirement applies. However, applicants must be current full or life members of the Flute Society of Washington (FSW).
Preliminary Round Requirements:
Applicants must submit a recorded performance featuring:
- Sigfrid Karg-Elert – Chaconne
- Antonio Vivaldi – Piccolo Concerto in C major, RV 443: II. Largo (with repeats and ornamentation)
Note: Pieces composed for flute and keyboard must be submitted with both instruments in the recording.
Final Round Requirements:
Finalists will perform:
- Sigfrid Karg-Elert – Chaconne (required)
- Two additional selections of the applicant’s choice, representing at least two musical periods
- Total program may not exceed 20 minutes, including transitions between movements/pieces
- Final round repertoire must be submitted with full details (titles, movements, composer’s dates, publishers) in the application and cannot be changed
Additional Information:
- Entry fee: $40
- Finalists must provide their own accompanist
- Previous first prize winners are not eligible to compete again
- Applicants must agree to all competition rules outlined on the official competition page and the 2026 General Competition Information
This competition is a launching pad for serious young flutists ready to make their mark. Whether you’re polishing your ornaments or preparing your perfect Chaconne, mark your calendar and submit your application early.
For updates, visit the official Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention website or follow Flute Almanac for more announcements.
