The 6th edition of the International Theobald Böhm Competition for Flute and Alto Flute, held from March 10 to 14, 2025, in Munich, Germany, was a resounding success — a week rich in music, history, and heartfelt dedication. Taking place in the exquisite Johannissaal at Castle Nymphenburg, this year’s event gathered 68 participants from 20 countries, a panel of esteemed international jurors, and over 60 descendants of Theobald Böhm in a celebration that bridged past and present.
At the heart of the competition is Ludwig Böhm, great-great-grandson of the legendary Theobald Böhm, whose vision, passion, and tireless work have been the driving force behind this exceptional event. A researcher, lecturer, and lifelong educator, Ludwig has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting Theobald Böhm’s legacy — not only through competitions but also through scholarly lectures, publications, and rediscovered historical works. His contributions extend far beyond organization; he personally secured sponsorships, engaged the Böhm family, and even provided special prizes, including a silver piccolo headjoint and a Mancke wooden piccolo headjoint.
Organizing a competition of this caliber is no small feat. In 2025, Ludwig faced significant logistical challenges, as the traditional venue was unavailable due to space limitations at the University of Music. After searching far and wide, he secured the historic Johannissaal at Castle Nymphenburg, a location with deep connections to Munich’s cultural heritage. Despite its lack of rehearsal space, Ludwig ingeniously partnered with the Munich City Youth Hostel to provide much-needed practice rooms — a major relief, as 27 competitors confirmed they had no alternative practice space.
The competition unfolded in three rounds, culminating in a festive concert by the jurors featuring rare and historical pieces dedicated to Theobald Böhm, discovered by Ludwig himself in European and American libraries. The concert included works by composers such as Giulio Briccialdi, Anton Bernhard Fürstenau, Emanuele Krakamp, Wilhelm Popp, and Johann Valentin Hamm, among others, as well as two arrangements by Theobald Böhm for flute in C and alto flute in G.
This unforgettable week also featured Ludwig Böhm’s 144-slide lecture on his ancestor’s life and work, followed by a memorial at Böhm’s grave in the Old South Cemetery. Under bright sunshine, Aldo Baerten performed Souvenir des Alpes by Theobald Böhm, a moment of reverence and unity among flutists and family alike.
2025 Laureates:
- 1st Prize: Haeun Kim (South Korea) – €5000 (Foundation Otto Eckart)
- 2nd Prize: Anamarijah Lajh (Slovenia) – €3000 (Christine Böhm)
- 3rd Prize: Ana Tutić (Croatia) – €2000 (Eva Mändl)
- Special Prize for Alto Flute in G: Anamarijah Lajh – Silver Headjoint (€2560, Ludwig Böhm)
- Best Participant Under 20: Chaeun Kim (South Korea) – Mancke Wooden Piccolo Headjoint (€1170, sponsored by Mancke Company)
The international jury, led by Martin Belič (Slovenia), included Aldo Baerten (Belgium), Sung-hyun Cho (South Korea), Matvey Demin (Russia), Anton Kushnir (Ukraine), Iva Lubomirova (Bulgaria), and Nihan Atalay (Turkey), who joined on short notice following an unfortunate injury to Ruth Wentorf.
Their professionalism and dedication, alongside the pianists Nino Gurevich (Georgia) and Madoka Ueno (Japan), as well as assistant Valeria Derkach (Ukraine), contributed to the warm, respectful atmosphere of the event.
The global flute community owes Ludwig Böhm a deep debt of gratitude. His unwavering commitment — both scholarly and organizational — has created not only a competition but a cultural legacy. In an age where tradition and innovation must coexist, Ludwig’s work ensures that Theobald Böhm’s name remains alive in the hearts, minds, and music of flutists around the world.
Flute Almanac proudly joins the chorus of voices saying:
Thank you Ludwig Böhm and Martin Belić – for everything!
