We are thrilled to announce the 40 talented young flutists who have been chosen to compete in the 11th Kobe International Flute Competition. This prestigious event, held in Kobe, Japan, has become one of the most esteemed flute competitions in the world, known for its high standards and exceptional level of artistry.
History and Significance
Established in 1985 and held every four years, the Kobe International Flute Competition (KIFC) is committed to providing young promising flutists from around the world the opportunity to launch an international career while enhancing international cultural exchanges and friendships through music. The competition was initially created as a cultural event on the occasion of the Universiade, a sports extravaganza held in Kobe for students from international universities. Since then, the KIFC has grown continuously, even after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit the city of Kobe in 1995.
The KIFC is one of the rare competitions in the world dedicated solely to flute, becoming the first Japanese member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in 1987. Over the years, the competition has produced many flutists who are now at the forefront of international stages. The 11th edition promises to continue this tradition of excellence and cultural enrichment.
Importance of the Competition
Participating in the Kobe International Flute Competition offers numerous benefits for young flutists. It provides a unique platform for showcasing their skills, gaining invaluable experience, and receiving critical feedback from experienced judges. The competition also motivates contestants to set specific goals and deadlines, pushing them to practice more frequently and focus on improving their technical proficiency.
Moreover, the KIFC introduces participants to new repertoire, challenging them to adapt to different styles and interpret new works. This exposure to diverse music is essential for a musician’s development and helps broaden their artistic horizons.
Contestants 2025
- Mirna ACKERS
- Manuel Antonio ASTUDILLO QUINTERO
- Gaia BERGAMASCHI
- Margherita BRODSKI
- Riccardo CELLACCHI
- Khoi DINH
- Fabian Johannes EGGER
- Baruch EVYATAR
- Tohko FUJINO
- Sayuri FUKUSHIMA
- Franziska Anne FUNDELIĆ
- Panak HASHEMIAN
- Emma HOCHSCHILD
- Jiawei HONG
- Sakhile HUMBANE
- Sooah JEON
- Eunbi JO
- Dabeen KIM
- Anna KOMAROVA
- Katherine LEE
- Janette LEVÁN
- Xiaoxi LI
- Yena LIM
- Héléna MACHEREL
- Calvin MAYMAN
- Lorenzo MESSINA
- Ruofan MIN
- Karin NISHIMURA
- Azaliia NOGMANOVA
- Rina OKAMOTO
- Darío PORTILLO GAVARRE
- Yui SAKATA
- Xiaoyue SHANG
- Ryo SHIMIZU
- Tomasz SIERANT
- Alma SONENSHTAIN
- Jiayi TONG
- Brina UNUK
- Niccolò VALERIO
- Eiko YAGI
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the contestants and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for the competition. This event promises to be a spectacular display of musical talent and artistry, and we look forward to witnessing the performances of these incredible young musicians.
The 11th Kobe International Flute Competition will take place from August 29, 2025, to September 7, 2025, at the Kobe Bunka Hall in Kobe, Japan.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the 11th Kobe International Flute Competition!
