The Biwako International Flute Competition, now in its 28th edition, continues to uphold its reputation as one of Japan’s most esteemed flute competitions. Taking place in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan this event has consistently drawn flutists from around the world, offering them a platform to showcase their artistry and technical prowess.
Organized by the Biwako International Flute Competition Executive Committee, the event aims to discover outstanding flute talents, introduce exceptional flute repertoire internationally, and contribute to the progression of musical artistry. Supported by various local and national cultural institutions, as well as leading flute manufacturers such as Sankyo, Muramatsu, Miyazawa, Powell, and Yamaha, the competition remains a significant milestone for emerging and professional flutists.
Competition Structure and Schedule
The 2025 edition of the competition is divided into two categories: General Section and Junior Section, with rounds spanning from March to May 2025.
General Section
- First Preliminary Round (March 10–11, 2025) – Screening of recorded video auditions.
- Second Preliminary Round (May 3–4, 2025) – Live performances in an in-person format.
- Third Preliminary Round (May 4, 2025) – In-person performance with piano accompaniment.
- Final Round (May 5, 2025) – Performance of a complete Mozart concerto with piano accompaniment.
- Award Ceremony (May 5, 2025).
Junior Section
- First Preliminary Round (March 10–11, 2025) – Screening of recorded video auditions.
- Second Preliminary Round (May 4, 2025) – Live performances.
- Final Round (May 5, 2025) – Performance with piano accompaniment.
- Award Ceremony (May 5, 2025).
All in-person rounds will take place at Gulliver Hall in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture.
Jury Members
The Biwako International Flute Competition assembles an impressive jury panel composed of esteemed flutists and educators from Japan and abroad.
First Preliminary Round Jury
- Yoshimi Oshima (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto City University of Arts; Director General, Asia Flutists Federation Japan).
- Nobutaka Shimizu (Professor, Faculty of Music, Soai University; Vice Chairperson, Japan Flutists Association).
- Takako Shiraishi (Chairperson, Biwako International Flute Competition Executive Committee).
- Kyohei Yamamoto (Former Professor, Osaka University of Arts).
Second, Third Preliminary & Final Round Jury
- Taro Otomo (Chairperson) (Specially Appointed Professor, Kunitachi College of Music).
- Ayako Takagi (Associate Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts).
- Mari Nakano (Guest Associate Professor, Tokyo College of Music; Director, Asia Flutists Federation).
- Taketo Hashimoto (Associate Professor, Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music).
- Xavier Luck (Professor, Kobe College School of Music; Former Assistant Principal Flutist, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra).
- NI Yizhen (Professor, Director of the Woodwind Instruments Department, China Conservatory of Music).
Repertoire Requirements
General Section
First Preliminary Round (Video Screening)
Candidates must choose one piece from Telemann’s Zwölf Fantasien für Querflöte ohne Bass (TWV 40:2-13).
Second Preliminary Round (In-Person Performance)
Choose one from the following:
- M. Arnold – Fantasy for Flute Op. 89.
- L. Lorenz – Non plus ultra (Capriccio Op. 34, XIV).
- S. Karg-Elert – Sonata (Appassionata) Op. 140.
- E. Bozza – Image.
Third Preliminary Round (In-Person Performance with Piano Accompaniment)
Candidates must select one piece from the following:
- T. Boehm – Grande Polonaise in D Major Op. 16.
- P. Taffanel – Grande Fantaisie sur Mignon (Ambroise Thomas).
- P. Taffanel – Fantaisie sur Le Freischütz.
Final Round (In-Person Performance with Piano Accompaniment)
Candidates must choose one of Mozart’s concertos and perform all movements with an arbitrary cadenza:
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto in G Major, KV 313.
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto in D Major, KV 314.
Junior Section
First Preliminary Round (Video Screening)
Choose one piece from:
- J. Andersen – 24 Studies Op. 21, No. 24.
- G. Gariboldi – Vingt Etudes Chantantes pour la Flûte Op. 88, No. 1.
- E. Köhler – 35 Exercises for Flute Op. 33, Book II, No. 10.
Second Preliminary Round (In-Person Performance)
Choose one piece from:
- A. Honegger – Danse de la Chèvre.
- J. Ibert – Pièce pour Flûte seule.
- P. Hindemith – Acht Stücke für Flöte allein (movements I, VI, VIII).
Final Round (In-Person Performance with Piano Accompaniment)
Candidates must choose one from:
- C. Reinecke – Ballade.
- F. Martin – Ballade.
Awards and Recognition
The Biwako International Flute Competition offers prestigious prizes and performance opportunities to its winners.
General Section
- First Prize – ¥1,000,000, Diploma of Merit, Shiga Prefectural Governor’s Award, and an opportunity to perform at the 39th Kyoto Art Festival 2025 and as a soloist with the Kyoto New Festival Orchestra conducted by Atsushi Yuasa.
- Second Prize – ¥500,000, Diploma of Merit.
- Third Prize – ¥200,000, Diploma of Merit.
- Haruka Prize – ¥30,000, Diploma of Merit (for the farthest-traveled contestant in the second preliminary round).
- Mushakouji-Senke Prize & Audience Prize – Diploma of Merit and a commemorative memento.
Junior Section
- First Prize – ¥100,000, Diploma of Merit, opportunity to perform at the 39th Kyoto Art Festival and as a soloist with the Kyoto New Festival Orchestra.
- Second Prize – ¥50,000, Diploma of Merit.
- Third Prize – ¥30,000, Diploma of Merit.
- Fourth & Fifth Prizes – Diploma of Merit and commemorative memento.
An International Platform for Excellence
The Biwako International Flute Competition 2025 stands as a prestigious platform for emerging and professional flutists to compete at the highest level. With its rigorous selection process, world-class jury, and exciting performance opportunities, the competition remains an essential event in the international flute calendar.
For more details and updates, visit the official Biwako International Flute Competition website.
