11th Kobe International Flute Competition

About the Competition:

• Founded in 1985 and held every four years.
• Focuses exclusively on flute performance.
• Recognized by the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC).

Jury:

• 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)

Competition Rounds:

• Three rounds: First, Second, and Final.
• Preliminary Screening through video pre-selection.
• Up to 40 contestants will participate.
• Performances 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
• Additional special prizes may be awarded.

History:

• Originally part of the Universiade in Kobe.
• Overcame challenges like the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic.
• Record participation in recent editions, with 483 applicants from 44 countries in 2022.

Notable Past Winners:

• Emmanuel Pahud (1989): Principal flutist, Berlin Philharmonic
• Sarah Louvion (2001): Principal flutist, Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra
• Mathilde Calderini (2013): Principal flutist, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France

For more information, visit the Kobe International Flute Competition website.