Carl Nielsen International Competition

The Carl Nielsen International Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious classical music competitions, held in Odense, Denmark — birthplace of composer Carl Nielsen. Founded in 1980 and expanded in 1998 to include the flute category, it celebrates musical excellence and artistic individuality in the spirit of Nielsen’s legacy.

As a proud member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), the event attracts the world’s most talented young flutists, offering them career-launching opportunities, global exposure, and collaboration with the Odense Symphony Orchestra.

The competition features multiple rounds, culminating in the Final Round with orchestra, where participants often perform Nielsen’s own Flute Concerto. Beyond prizes, it emphasizes mentorship through its Espansiva! Program, fostering artistic growth and professional development.

Laureates of Previous Competitions

2022
🥇 Alberto Navarra (Italy) – 1st Prize
🥈 Seohyeon Kim (South Korea) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Alberto Acuña Almela (Spain) – 3rd Prize

2019
🥇 Joséphine Olech (France) – 1st Prize
🥈 Marianna Julia Żołnacz (Poland) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Rafael Adobas Bayog (Spain) – 3rd Prize

2014
🥇 Sebastian Jacot (Switzerland) – 1st Prize
🥈 Yukie Ota (Japan) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Yaeram Park (South Korea) – 3rd Prize

2010
🥇 Adriana Ferreira (Portugal) – 1st Prize

2006
🥇 Alexandra Grot (Russia) – 1st Prize
🥈 Łukasz Długosz (Poland) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Grigory Mordashov (Russia) – 3rd Prize
🥉 Marion Ralincourt (France) – 3rd Prize

2002
🥇 Pirmin Grehl (Germany) – 1st Prize
🥈 Denis Bouriakov (Russia) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Fruzsina Varga (Hungary) – 3rd Prize
4th – Sarah Rumer (Switzerland)

1998
🥇 Karl-Heinz Schütz (Austria) – 1st Prize
🥈 Kazunori Seo (Japan) – 2nd Prize
🥉 Henrik Wiese (Germany) – 3rd Prize
4th – Natalie Schwaabe (Germany)