The 5th Maxence Larrieu Nice International Competition concluded with an impressive Final round on October 26 at the Joseph Kosma Auditorium in the Nice Conservatory. Under the direction of Lionel Bringuier and with a string trio from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied the finalists as they performed before a distinguished jury.
This remarkable event opened with performances of Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto, a piece that allowed each soloist — Federico Altare, Julin Cheung, Bianca Maria Fiorito, and Tommaso Gaeta — to demonstrate their technical skill and interpretive depth. Accompanied by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Lionel Bringuier, their renditions captivated listeners and set a high bar for the evening.
During the intermission, attendees enjoyed a memorable gathering in the Conservatory’s main hall with flute icons Emmanuel Pahud and Maxence Larrieu. The program then resumed with a shift in repertoire as each finalist performed Mozart’s quartets, accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s string trio, creating a more intimate atmosphere that highlighted the performers’ elegance and sensitivity.
The evening concluded with the award ceremony, marking the culmination of days filled with dedication, emotion, and musical excellence. The distinguished jury, including Emmanuel Pahud, Maxence Larrieu (Jury Chair), and acclaimed flutists Matthieu Gauci-Ancelin, Julien Beaudiment, Jasmine Choi, Matvey Demin, Adriana Ferreira, and Herman Van Kogelenberg, recognized the outstanding achievements of the finalists.
Competition Award Highlights
First Grand Prize Maxence Larrieu
Winner: Julin Cheung, USA
- Award: €10,000 courtesy of Joséphine and Xavier Moreno
- Recording: CD production sponsored by Editions Chant de Linos
- Instrument: Pearl Flutes alto flute model 207, valued at €4,000
Second Prize
- Winner: Bianca Maria Fiorito, Italy
- Award: €6,000, sponsored by music enthusiasts
- Accessory: Mancke and Adams wood headjoint, valued at €2,500
Third Prize
- Winner: Tommaso Gaeta, Italy
- Award: €4,000, sponsored by Sankyo
- Instrument: Piccolo, courtesy of Yamaha
Fourth Prize
- Winner: Federico Altare, Italy
- Award: €2,000, sponsored by Miyazawa
- Service: Complete flute overhaul valued at €1,400, provided by Flautissimo Genève
Special Prizes
First Prize for Artistic Program: Judy Lee, Korea (€1,000 or a professional video production, offered by Association La Traversière and the Jean-Pierre Rampal Association)
Second Prize for Artistic Program: Mathilde Alvin-Besson, France
Best Performance of Guillaume Connesson’s Work: Julin Cheung, USA (€1,000, sponsored by Richard and Amélie Séguin of the Seguin Fides Charitable Trust)
Best Performance of Elise Bertrand’s Work: (Tie) Daniel Mieczkowski, Poland & Julin Cheung, USA (€1,000, sponsored by Richard and Amélie Séguin of the Seguin Fides Charitable Trust)
Best Performance of the French Music Program: Anna Komarova, Russia (€500, courtesy of Parmenon and Powell)
Young Musician Award: Mathilde Alvin-Besson, France (€700, courtesy of Vent d’Azur)
Audience Prize: Tommaso Gaeta, Italy (€700, sponsored by Adagio Assurances)
Honorable Mentions and Festival Invitations
In addition to individual awards, Bianca Maria Fiorito received a Special Mention from the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, and all four main laureates were extended an invitation for an artistic exchange with Emmanuel Pahud.
The winners were also invited to perform at prominent international flute festivals, including the Falaut Flute Festival, Emilia Romagna Festival, Classic’Antibes, Norwegian Flute Society, Tampere Flute Fest, Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Flöte e.V., and additional events like Musicales de Castelnaudary and Nice Summer International Academy.
Congratulations to All Participants
The 5th Maxence Larrieu Nice International Competition was a celebration of extraordinary talent, with each award and prize reflecting the dedication and artistry of these musicians. We congratulate all the winners on their achievements and commend every participant for their exceptional performances in this esteemed event.
