The III International Flute Competition “Giuseppe Gariboldi” stands as one of Italy’s important events dedicated exclusively to the flute. Organized by the Associazione Flautisti Italiani (AFI FALAUT ETS) in collaboration with the Liceo Statale Alfano I, the competition will take place at the Auditorium of the Liceo Alfano I in Salerno from April 19 to 24, 2026.
Named in honor of Giuseppe Gariboldi (1833–1905), the celebrated Italian flutist, composer, and pedagogue, the competition reflects his enduring legacy of technical excellence, musical refinement, and dedication to education.
A Competition Dedicated Exclusively to Flutists
The event is open to flutists of all nationalities and is designed to provide meaningful artistic motivation for young musicians at different stages of development. Participants may compete in categories above their age level, and when necessary, preliminary rounds may be conducted online.
The jury’s decisions are final and unquestionable. The members of the commission will be announced one month prior to the competition.
Categories
The competition is structured to accommodate students and young professionals across several levels:
SMIM Category – reserved for students enrolled in SMIM programs
Licei Category – reserved for students of Italian Music High Schools
Category A – born 2008–2011
Category B – born 2003–2007
Category C – born 1995–2002
Includes the special award: Premio Jean-Claude Gérard
Prize winners in each category are required to perform at the Winners’ Concert in formal concert attire. The performance is mandatory and free of charge; failure to participate results in forfeiture of the prize. The repertoire for this concert will be selected by the Artistic Director. The jury may award prizes ex aequo.
Registration
Applications must be submitted via email (info@falaut.it) or through the online form available on the official website.
Honoring a Pedagogical Legacy
By bearing the name of Giuseppe Gariboldi—whose études and pedagogical works remain central to flute training worldwide—the competition reinforces a tradition that unites performance and education. It aims not only to reward technical accomplishment but also to encourage artistic research, interpretative depth, and musical maturity.
The III International Flute Competition “Giuseppe Gariboldi” offers young flutists a platform for growth, visibility, and artistic dialogue — continuing a legacy that connects past excellence with future promise.
