The Japan Flute Association proudly presents the 22nd Japan Flute Convention, set to take place in Kobe from August 22–24, 2025, with competitions beginning on August 20. This prestigious event, held every four years, is a major gathering for flutists, educators, and enthusiasts, offering a diverse program of concerts, masterclasses, competitions, and lectures featuring some of the world’s finest flutists.
A Prestigious Venue and International Participation
The convention will be hosted at two major venues:
- Kobe International Conference Center – The main venue for performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Kobe Bunka Hall – Hosting the final concert of the event.
The convention is co-organized by Kobe City and the Kobe Citizens Cultural Promotion Foundation, with support from various cultural and musical organizations.
This edition will celebrate the convention’s 30th anniversary by welcoming an impressive roster of internationally renowned artists and fostering cultural exchange through the universal language of the flute.
Featured Guest Artists
AFE Kobe 2025 will feature an exceptional lineup of world-class flutists, showcasing a blend of styles, traditions, and innovative performance techniques. Among the invited artists are:
- Sarah Jackson – Renowned piccoloist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
- Karl-Heinz Schütz – Principal flute of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Ikuo Arai – Legendary Japanese flutist and pedagogue.
- Marina Piccinini – Acclaimed international soloist and professor at Peabody Institute.
These esteemed flutists will lead concerts, masterclasses, and workshops, offering a rare opportunity for participants to learn from the best in the field.
Competition: A Platform for Emerging Talent
A major highlight of the convention is its flute competition, which will be held from August 20–24, 2025. The competition aims to discover and promote outstanding flutists, offering them the opportunity to perform before an esteemed jury and audience.
Competition Divisions
The competition includes multiple categories to accommodate different age groups and skill levels:
- Solo Division
- Youth Division (for young flutists)
- Piccolo Division
- Contemporary Music Division
The final rounds will be held on August 24, with winners announced at the award ceremony later that evening.
Main Program Highlights
The convention will offer a wide range of events, including:
August 22 (Friday) – Opening Day
- Opening Concert featuring the Kobe Philharmonic Orchestra with guest soloists.
- Recitals by leading international flutists.
- Masterclasses with guest artists.
August 23 (Saturday) – Competition & Workshops
- Semi-final rounds of the competition.
- Workshops on flute techniques, historical performance, and contemporary music.
- Lectures by leading flute scholars.
August 24 (Sunday) – Grand Finale
- Flute Orchestra Performance featuring a mass ensemble of flutists.
- Final Competition Performances for solo and contemporary music categories.
- Closing Ceremony & Awards Presentation.
A Must-Attend Event for Flutists
The 22nd Japan Flute Convention in Kobe promises to be an unparalleled celebration of the flute, uniting flutists from around the world to share their artistry, knowledge, and passion for music. Whether as a competitor, performer, student, or audience member, this convention offers a rare opportunity to be part of a global community of flutists in one of Japan’s most vibrant cities.
For more details, visit the Japan Flute Association website.
