The results of The American Prize in Instrumental Performance 2025, announced in September, continue to highlight the presence of flutists at the national level.Several flutists were recognized among the top national artists.
As the 2026 competition cycle begins to unfold, these results offer a useful snapshot of the current landscape of flute performance.
In The American Prize 2025, a competition that spans multiple instruments and disciplines, the presence of flutists at this level reflects both individual excellence and the evolving role of the instrument across performance, teaching, and artistic innovation.
Three Flutists Recognized at the National Level
Within the professional division (winds), a total of three flutists were recognized:
- 2 prize winners
- 1 finalist with honorable mention
This places the flute among the prominently represented instruments in this year’s results.
Prize-Winning Flutists
🥈 Hannah Porter Occeña — 2nd Prize (tie)
An active soloist and orchestral musician, Occeña serves as Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Northern Iowa and holds principal flute positions with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra.
Her recognition reflects a balance of performance, pedagogy, and artistic presence.
🥉 Alicia Kosack — 3rd Prize (tie)
Kosack’s career spans both modern and Baroque performance, combining historical awareness with contemporary practice. She has received multiple honors, including awards from the National Flute Association, and remains active as both performer and educator.
Finalist Recognition
⭐ Catherine Ramirez — Finalist, Honorable Mention
Ramirez’s work reflects a broad artistic profile, including international performances and diverse repertoire spanning multiple musical traditions.
A Strong Presence for the Flute
Although the top prize in the wind division was awarded to an oboist, the recognition of three flutists at the national level underscores the continued visibility of the instrument.
These artists represent different directions within today’s flute world:
- orchestral and academic leadership
- stylistic versatility across modern and historical performance
- international and cross-cultural engagement
Together, they reflect the expanding identity of the modern flutist.
Recognition Across a Growing Landscape
The American Prize, founded in 2010, evaluates artists through submitted recordings, allowing participation from across the United States. Its structure provides access to a wide and diverse pool of performers.
At the same time, today’s musical world is shaped by a growing number of initiatives that recognize excellence from different perspectives — national and international, broad and instrument-specific.
Congratulations — and a Global Perspective
We warmly congratulate all flutists recognized in the 2025 results of The American Prize. Their achievements reflect a high level of artistry and dedication.
Alongside national competitions, the flute community continues to be supported by global initiatives that celebrate the instrument in all its dimensions.
Among them, the Global Flute Excellence Awards provide an international platform devoted entirely to the flute. Supported by Honorary Chairs Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway, together with a distinguished group of Honorary Patrons, the Awards recognize excellence across performance, pedagogy, and contribution to the global flute community.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards will open from December 1 to December 31, offering an opportunity to celebrate achievements across the global flute communi
