The Australian International Flute Festival 2025, taking place from October 3–6 at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, will once again shine as one of the most significant flute events in the Southern Hemisphere. Among its highlights are a series of prestigious competitions designed to recognize and elevate the artistry of flutists of all ages and formats – from outstanding soloists to dynamic flute ensembles.
Australian International Flute Competition (Solo, 32 Years and Under)
This flagship solo competition is open to flutists of any nationality aged 32 or younger as of October 3, 2025. It offers not only a generous prize pool but also an extraordinary performance opportunity.
Prizes:
- First Prize: A brand-new Burkart Legacy Flute, valued at AUD $12,495
- Second Prize: AUD $3,000
Special Highlight: The first prize winner will perform Franz Doppler’s Duettino Hongrois, Op. 36 (second flute part) with the legendary András Adorján during the Gala Concert on Sunday, October 5 at 7:00 PM.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)
Repertoire Requirements:
First Round (Video Submission – Unaccompanied):
- J.S. Bach – Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013, movements I (Allemande) and III (Sarabande), without repeats
- Tilmann Dehnhard – Yorishiro
- Friedrich Kuhlau – Fantasia Op. 38 No. 1, Arietta con variazioni only
Semifinal Round (Live, Accompanist Provided – October 3):
- C.P.E. Bach – Sonata in G Major, Wq. 123 H.550, movements I and II (first repeat only, from memory)
- Mel Bonis – Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 64, movements I and II
- Jean-Michel Damase – Rhapsodie
Final Round (October 4):
- Peggy Polias – Aeons for solo flute
- Lowell Liebermann – Sonata Op. 23, movements I (Lento) and II (Presto)
(Total performance time: approximately 22 minutes)
Young Artist Competition (18 Years and Under)
Designed to spotlight emerging talent, the Young Artist Competition offers a valuable platform for flutists aged 18 and under to showcase their artistry and gain performance experience on a national stage.
Prizes:
First Prize: Azumi S2 flute valued at AUD $3,649
Second Prize: AUD $1,500
Sponsored by: Orchestral Supplies Australia and Elizabeth Koch
Special Highlight: The winner will perform the flute 2 part of the 4th movement of Debussy’s Petite Suite with Alena Walentin at the Closing Concert on Monday, October 6 at 3:00 PM.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)
Repertoire Requirements:
First Round (Video Submission):
Jacques Ibert – Piece
Carl Stamitz – Caprice No. 1 in G Major (without repeats)
Final Round (Live Performance – October 5):
Andrew Howes – Night Lights
Merryl Neille – Winter Solstice
Philippe Gaubert – Nocturne et Allegro Scherzando
Panel: Elizabeth Koch, Janet Webb, and Latham Horn
Piccolo Competition
Ages 32 and Under
Prizes:
1st Prize: Haynes QP6 Piccolo (valued at AUD $10,695)
2nd Prize: AUD $3,000
Sponsored by: Wm. S. Haynes Flute Company & Flutes and Flutists
Highlight: Winner performs an unaccompanied piece (5–7 min) of their choice at the Gala Concert – October 5 at 7 PM.
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 – 11:59 PM AEST
Semifinalist Announcement: July 27, 2025
First Round (video – approx. 10 min, in order):
J.S. Bach – Partita No. 2, BWV 1004 (I. Allemanda, transcribed by Nicola Mazzanti, no repeats)
Mahler – Piccolo solo from Symphony No. 2 (download sheet music)
Daniel Dorff – Tweet
Semifinal Round (live – Oct 4):
Vivaldi – Concerto in C Major, RV 443, I & III
Thea Musgrave – Piccolo Play, movements I, II, III, V
Final Round (live – Oct 5):
Kaija Saariaho – Dolce Tormento
Vivaldi – Concerto RV 443, II. Largo
Paul Stanhope – Piccolo Concerto, II. Scherzo – Wheels Within Wheels
Flute Trio & Quartet Competition (All Ages)
This exciting chamber music competition invites flute trios and quartets of all ages to showcase their ensemble skills. With generous prizes and the opportunity to perform at the festival’s closing concert, this event encourages collaboration and creativity among flutists.
Prizes:
- Trio Winner: AUD $2,400
- Quartet Winner: A Pearl 201 SUF alto flute with Forza headjoint, valued at AUD $4,000
Performance Opportunity: Winning ensembles will present a piece of their choice (up to 7 minutes) at the Closing Concert on Monday, October 6 at 3:00 PM.
Application Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)
Repertoire Requirements:
First Round (Video Submission):
Trio:
- Sally Greenaway – Pastorale and Caprice
- Kaspar Kummer – Trio for 3 Flutes in C Major, Op. 53, I. Allegro
Quartet:
- Eugène Bozza – Jour d’été à la montagne, I. Pastorale and II. Aux bords du torrent
- Anton Reicha – Quatuor Op. 19, II. Allegretto
Final Round (Live – October 5):
Trio:
- Joseph Bodin de Boismortier – Sonata for 3 Flutes in B minor, PB 254, I. Modérément and II. Rondeau (first repeats only)
- Fulvio Caldini – Sonatina d’autunno, Op. 105, III. Allegro Molto
- Christopher Sainsbury – Bardo
Quartet:
- Josquin des Prez – Plus Nulz Regretz
- Maria Grenfell – Pipe Music, III. Jig
- Pierre Max Dubois – Quatour I. Fêtes, III. Complainte and IV. Tambourin
Note: Quartets without access to alto or bass flutes are permitted to perform all parts on C flutes with appropriate transcriptions.
Accessing the Music
All required repertoire for both solo and ensemble competitions can be conveniently purchased from Syrinx Music, the official repertoire partner of the Festival.
A Festival that Inspires
With distinguished judges including András Adorján, Alena Walentin, Eliza Shephard, Kim Falconer, and Margaret Crawford, and world-class performances at one of Australia’s most prestigious music schools, the Australian International Flute Festival 2025 is more than a competition – it is a celebration of the flute community at its finest.
For full details and to apply, visit the official website:
www.australianflutefestival.com/competitions
Flute Almanac is proud to support and promote events that celebrate and advance the global flute community.
