Quote from Flute Almanac on December 19, 2025, 8:05 pm

Odense, Denmark | June 8–16, 2026
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

The Carl Nielsen International Flute Competition will take place in Odense, Denmark, from June 8 to 16, 2026, bringing together some of the most promising young flutists from around the world. Organized by the Odense Symphony Orchestra, the competition is internationally recognized for its high artistic standards, demanding repertoire, and strong connection to the legacy of Danish composer Carl Nielsen.

Applications are now open.

Who Can Apply

• Open to all nationalities
• Applicants must be under the age of 30 on the first day of the competition
• Eligible flutists must be born on or after June 8, 1996

A total of 24 contestants will be selected to participate in the live rounds of the competition.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the Acceptd platform.

Application Fee

• USD 75
• Payable by credit card
• Non-refundable

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

• A copy of passport (for identity and age verification)
• A recent portrait photo (minimum 1000 × 1200 px, copyright-free)
• Three unedited video recordings of the required pre-selection repertoire

  • Recorded no more than six months before submission

• A short CV/biography (maximum 800 characters)
• A declaration of any prior studies with members of the Jury
• A complete repertoire selection for all competition rounds and the final, chosen from the official repertoire list

⚠️ Only complete applications will be accepted.

Application Deadline

February 1, 2026

Pre-selection Recordings: Technical Requirements

The pre-selection round will be judged anonymously by a Pre-Jury.

Video recordings must meet the following conditions:

• Entire works must be recorded without cuts or edits
• Fixed camera angle; hands and face must be clearly visible at all times
• High-quality sound is strongly recommended
• Public concert recordings are acceptable if all criteria are met
• Recordings must be made within six months of submission

By submitting an application, participants consent to audio and video recording during the competition and to the use of these materials for promotional and media purposes by the organizers.

Pre-selection Repertoire

Applicants must submit recordings of the following works:

1. Georg Philipp Telemann

Choose one from 12 Fantasias for Solo Flute, TWV 40:2–13:

• No. 3 in B minor, TWV 40:4
• No. 9 in E major, TWV 40:10
• No. 11 in G major, TWV 40:12
• No. 12 in G minor, TWV 40:13

2. Benjamin Godard

• Valse (3rd movement) from Suite de trois morceaux, Op. 116

3. Siegfried Karg-Elert

• Chaconne, Op. 107, No. 30

Competition Rounds & Repertoire

⚠️ The repertoire declared in the application is binding and cannot be changed.

First Round

• Choose one:

  • Herman D. Koppel: Capriccio, Op. 73
  • J. P. E. Hartmann: Sonata in B major, Op. 1 – I. Allegro vivace

• Commissioned work by Louise Alenius (score sent to selected contestants)
• One J. S. Bach sonata:

  • BWV 1031, 1034, or 1035

Second Round

• Claude Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
• Choose one modern solo work (Berio, Rasmussen, Maresz, Liebermann, Jarrell, Tanada, or Hurel)
• Choose one major chamber work:

  • Schubert D. 802, Widor Op. 34, or Prokofiev Op. 94

Third Round / Semifinal (without conductor)

• One solo flute work (max. 6 minutes)
• One concerto by C. P. E. Bach:

  • Wq 22 (D minor) or Wq 169 (G major)

Final Round

• Mozart: Rondo in C major, KV 373
• Carl Nielsen: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, FS 119

Commissioned Work

The 2026 competition includes a new commissioned piece by Danish composer Louise Alenius.

• The score will be sent after confirmation of participation
• The work may not be performed or shared publicly before the competition

Selection & Notification

• Applicants will be notified in February–March 2026
• All communication will be via email
• Selected contestants must confirm participation by the stated deadline

In exceptional cases of force majeure, a late arrival may be permitted at the discretion of the General Manager.

Apply Now

Application deadline: February 1, 2026
Application platform: Click here

Contact Information

Carl Nielsen International Competition
Odense Symphony Orchestra
Claus Bergs Gade 9
5000 Odense C, Denmark

📞 +45 63 75 00 50 (Wed. 10:00–12:00)
📧 symfoni@odense.dk

This competition represents one of the most significant international platforms for young flutists, combining a demanding repertoire, orchestral collaboration, and the artistic legacy of Carl Nielsen in his hometown of Odense.

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