November 3–5, 2025

The European Music Academy Foundation (EMA) proudly announces the 10th edition of the International Flute Competition, to be held from November 3–5, 2025, in Varna, Bulgaria, under the patronage of the Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev.

This landmark edition, celebrating the 10th anniversary of EMA, is included in the official Bulgarian Cultural Calendar and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Municipality of Varna, the Ministry of Defense, and a distinguished circle of cultural institutions, embassies, and consulates.

With its strong reputation for nurturing young talent, the competition has grown into one of Bulgaria’s most respected cultural events, combining tradition with opportunity on both a national and international scale.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

One of the most remarkable aspects of this year’s competition is its inclusion in the Program of Measures for Talented Children of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria.

For Bulgarian participants in the 14–18 age category, achieving a top-three placement comes with more than prestige: winners will be awarded a one-year scholarship by the Ministry of Culture, offering vital support for their artistic development.

Competition Structure and Age Groups

The competition is open exclusively to students enrolled in music schools and universities, ensuring a high level of artistry and commitment. Contestants will perform within four age categories:

Group I A (7–8 years) and Group I B (9–10 years) – flute, block flute, piccolo flute; short pieces of contrasting character.
Group II (11–13 years) – Handel sonatas, Romantic-era works, and Bulgarian repertoire.
Group III (14–18 years) – classical flute concertos (Stamitz, Quantz, Pergolesi), Bulgarian works such as Sevdana or Humoresque, and Romantic/virtuosic showpieces (Reinecke, Taffanel, Popp, Morlacchi).
Group IV (19–31 years) – a two-round program featuring Baroque solo repertoire, 20th-century works (Bozza, Karg-Elert), Mozart concertos, major Romantic and modern pieces (Boehm, Jolivet, Casella, Dutilleux, Borne, Hue), and Bulgarian compositions.

Each program highlights Bulgarian composers, reflecting the competition’s mission to promote national cultural heritage alongside the international flute repertoire.

Hybrid Format

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, EMA will once again run the competition in a hybrid format: participants may compete live in Varna or online via video submission. This ensures that young flutists from around the world can take part regardless of travel restrictions.

Key dates include:

Application deadline: October 15, 2025
Video submission deadline (online participants): October 20, 2025

Prizes and Opportunities

The competition offers generous awards across all age categories, including:

Cash prizes ranging from €100 to €1,500.
Diplomas and subject prizes from the European Music Academy Foundation.
Concert engagements sponsored by embassies and cultural institutions.
Special prizes, including awards for outstanding performances of Bulgarian works, scholarships for conservatory courses abroad, and distinctions from the Union of Bulgarian Composers and the Mayor of Varna.

The event concludes with a Gala Concert of the Laureates, recorded and broadcast by the Bulgarian National Television, giving winners international exposure.

A Celebration of Music and Community

More than a competition, the Varna event is a celebration of music as a bridge between cultures. With support from international partners including the Embassy of Austria, the French Embassy, the Italian Cultural Institute, and many others, the competition embodies both the European spirit of collaboration and the local commitment to fostering young artistry.

For the European Music Academy Foundation, this 10th edition stands as both a milestone and a promise—to continue opening doors for the next generation of flutists, empowering them through performance, recognition, and community.

📌 More information & registration: www.ema.foundation
📧 Contact: emavarna2015@gmail.com
📍 Venue: Bul. Vladislav Varnenchik 2, Varna, Bulgaria