The historic city of Aversa, Italy, will once again become a global stage for flutists from all over the world as it hosts the 14th Domenico Cimarosa International Flute Competition – Rotary Prize. Scheduled from April 9 to 11, 2025, the event will take place in the elegant Salone Romano of the Cimarosa Theatre, drawing participants and renowned jury members for three days of exceptional artistry and musical excellence.
Honoring a Genius of the Enlightenment
Named in honor of Domenico Cimarosa (1749–1801), the competition pays tribute to one of Italy’s most brilliant and prolific composers of the 18th century. Born in Aversa to humble origins, Cimarosa rose to international prominence through a career that was both dazzling and turbulent.
Thanks to the support of a friar, he studied at the Conservatory of the Madonna di Loreto in Naples, where his talent quickly became evident. He achieved lasting fame with his comic operas, especially L’Italiana in Algeri and the timeless masterpiece Il matrimonio segreto. Over the course of his life, Cimarosa composed more than seventy operas and numerous vocal and instrumental works, leaving a deep mark on the music scenes of Russia, Austria, and Italy.
Despite his success, his life was also marked by political upheavals, personal struggles, and a mysterious, untimely death. Today, Cimarosa stands as a symbol of the cultural and musical enlightenment of late 18th-century Europe—a legacy the competition proudly celebrates.
A Stage for Emerging Talent
Over the years, the competition has gained international acclaim and was even awarded the Medal of Honor by the President of the Italian Republic. Its history boasts a distinguished jury, including iconic flutists such as Maxence Larrieu, Patrick Gallois, Roberto Fabbriciani, and Mario Caroli, as well as celebrated figures in composition and conducting like film composer Stelvio Cipriani and Academy Award winner Luis Bacalov.
2025 Edition Highlights
This year’s competition will take place from April 9–11, 2025, in the elegant Salone Romano of the Cimarosa Theatre. The international jury will include:
- Luigi Esposito, composer and long-time member of the jury since the very first edition. He was recently featured in the latest edition of Treccani’s Encyclopedia of Contemporary Music.
- Antonino Cascio, conductor and former professor at the historic San Pietro a Majella Conservatory in Naples. He has led the Caserta Chamber Orchestra for four decades.
- Christian Deliso, Neapolitan conductor, active in Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage and Mariinsky theatres
- Berten d’Hollander, internationally renowned flutist and professor in Hungary and Turkey.
- Salvatore Lombardi, leading Italian flutist, educator at San Pietro a Majella, and founder of Falaut magazine
The competition is directed and curated by flutist Fabio Di Lella, the visionary behind this long-standing event. “It’s going to be an intense and exciting three days,” said Di Lella. “We already have confirmed participants from China, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Turkey, and Russia, and we’re expecting many more, especially from Europe, as the registration deadline approaches.”
Music in the Heart of Aversa
This year’s edition continues to enjoy strong community and institutional support. Sponsored by the Rotary Club “Terra Normanna” of Aversa, Rotary District 2101, Confindustria Caserta – Small Industries, and the City of Aversa, the competition has become a beacon of international musical exchange.
A particularly meaningful addition to the 2025 edition is the opening of Casa Cimarosa – the composer’s historic home – as a rehearsal space for competitors. “It’s fitting that Casa Cimarosa returns to its original purpose: a place for music,” Di Lella remarked.
The competition will culminate in a gala concert and awards ceremony on Friday, April 11, at the Salone Romano. The evening will feature performances by the top three winners and special musical guests in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration.
As the legacy of Domenico Cimarosa continues to inspire new generations, this competition serves not only as a platform for young flutists, but as a living tribute to the rich musical heritage of Italy and Europe.
As Di Lella notes, “Thanks to our sponsors and supporters, the Cimarosa Competition has grown into an event with true international prestige. It’s a source of pride not just for Aversa, but for the global flute community.”
