WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Flute

Next edition
Winter Edition 2026
Applications until
December 1
Entry fee
€37
Format
online, video
Apply now General rules

RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «FLUTE» NOMINATION 2026

Flute competition online: who can enter and how it works

This flute competition online is the flute nomination of the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition. Flutists of any nationality can take part as soloists, in a duo, in the Student – teacher category or in an ensemble, and recorder players have age categories of their own. Instead of travelling to a stage, you send a performance video, which the jury watches and scores.

There are three editions a year – spring, summer and winter – and applications are accepted all year round. Pick the edition whose deadline suits your preparation; the dates for this discipline are in the schedule below.

Schedule

The competition is completely online and is held annually. Applications are accepted 365 days a year. The competitor selects one of three editions and sends an application.

SPRING EDITION
Application deadline is March 15th. Announcement of the results on April 05. 

SUMMER EDITION
Acceptance of applications until June 1. Announcement of the results on June 15. 

WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 1th. Announcement of the results on December 15th. 

 

Program

The competition program includes two (preferably diverse) compositions of the participant’s choice. Program is to be performed by heart and completely (soloist). Duos and ensembles are not obligated to perform compositions by heart. It is allowed to perform parts (sonata, symphony, concert, trio…) as two pieces.

 

Participants

Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world. 

Soloists:

JUNIOR

  • Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

 

MIDDLE JUNIOR

  • Category IV: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
  • Category V: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category VI: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category VII: born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
  • Category VIII: born in 2013 – maximum 8 minutes

 

JUNIOR  ARTIST

  • Category IX: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
  • Category X: born in 2011 – maximum 12 minutes
  • Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 12 minutes

 

SENIOR ACADEMIC

  • Category XII: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  • Category XIII: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  • Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  • Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 13 minutes

 

SENIOR ARTIST

  • Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
  • Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 15 minutes

 

Recorder

JUNIOR

  •  Category XXII: born in 2020 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category XXIII: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category XXIV: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

 

MIDDLE JUNIOR

  • Category XXV: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
  • Category XXVI: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category XXVII: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category XXVIII – born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
  • Category XXIX: born in 2013 – maximum 8 minutes

 

JUNIOR  ARTIST

  • Category XXX: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
  • Category XXXI: born in 2011 – maximum 10 minutes
  • Category XXXII: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 10 minutes

 Rules for the other similar instruments (whistle, frula …) you can read at the “Traditional Music” section.

 

DUO (two similar or two different instruments)

  •  Category XXXIII: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  •  Category XXXIV: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  •  Category XXXV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  •  Category XXXVI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category XXXVII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category XXXVIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  •  Category XXXIX: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  •  Category XL: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  •  Category XLI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  •  Category XLII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Duo can perform with only one accompanist. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator  or accompanist.

 

Student – teacher

In the category “Student – teacher” the age group is determined by the age of the student.

  •  Category XLIII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  •  Category XLIV: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category XLV: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category XLVI: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category XLVII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  •  Category XLVIII: born in 2005 and older – maximum 12 minutes

 

ENSEMBLE (of 3-15 members)

The ensemble must contain at least 50% of homogeneous instruments of this nomination. Ensemble can perform with only one accompanist and/or one illustrator. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator (accompanist).

  •  Category XLIX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  •  Category L: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  •  Category LI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
  •  Category LII: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  •  Category LIII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  •  Category LIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  •  Category LV: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
  •  Category LVI: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Repertoire for flute: what to choose

The program consists of two compositions of your choice, ideally contrasting in character – for instance a slow, singing piece next to a quick one that shows articulation. Soloists play from memory and perform each piece complete; duos and ensembles may use sheet music. Two movements of a sonata, concerto or trio may be presented as the two pieces.

Time the whole program, pauses between pieces included, before you record, and compare it with the limit of your category in the list above: the youngest soloists have 5 minutes, SENIOR ARTIST flutists up to 15. Recorder categories have separate limits.

Examples that teachers often choose (recommendations only, not requirements):

  • JUNIOR: Gossec, Tambourin; Gluck, Dance of the Blessed Spirits (arrangement)
  • MIDDLE JUNIOR: Fauré, Sicilienne; a movement from a Handel or Telemann sonata
  • JUNIOR ARTIST: Chaminade, Concertino; Fauré, Fantaisie
  • SENIOR ACADEMIC and SENIOR ARTIST: Debussy, Syrinx; Poulenc, Sonata; Mozart, Concerto in G major
  • Recorder: pieces from Van Eyck’s Der Fluyten Lust-hof; a recorder sonata by Telemann or Handel

Recording the video: tips for flutists

The rules ask for one continuous take with no editing, pauses or cuts, and the performer must be clearly visible. For a flutist this means a frame wide enough for the face, both hands and the whole length of the flute, which points sideways: film from the front, turned slightly towards the end of the instrument, in horizontal (landscape) format, as the rules recommend. Keep the microphone a little away from the lip plate so that breath noise does not dominate. With a pianist, set the camera so that both of you are in view and check that the piano does not cover the flute. At the start, introduce yourself aloud or show an A4 sheet on a music stand. More advice: how to record your video; full requirements: competition rules.

Application, fee and certificates

Apply through the online application form. The entry fee is 37 euros for a soloist and 37 euros per duo or ensemble (payment options). The jury scores flutists in points: in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections 90–100 points brings a Gold award, and a Diploma starts at 65; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Every participant receives a certificate, and teachers can download letters of appreciation. Full rules – video requirements and identification, documents, entry fee, scoring system – are on the rules page.

Frequently asked questions

Do flute duos and ensembles need to play from memory?

No. Playing by heart is required only from soloists; duos and ensembles may perform with sheet music.

How are age categories set for ensembles?

For duos and ensembles the category follows the average age of all players; the accompanist or illustrator is not counted. A flute ensemble has 3 to 15 members, and at least half of them must play instruments of this nomination. In the Student – teacher category the student’s age decides.

Can I use an accompanist?

Yes. Under the rules, a piece written for flute and accompaniment must be played with the accompanist. A duo or an ensemble may have only one accompanist.

How long can a flute program be?

That depends on the category: from 5 minutes for the youngest soloists to 15 minutes in SENIOR ARTIST; recorder players in JUNIOR ARTIST have up to 10 minutes. The jury rules tolerate an overrun of no more than one minute; beyond that the jury consults the organizer.

How do I find my results?

They appear on the results page on the announcement date of the edition you entered, as shown in the schedule above.

See also: the clarinet nomination, results of past editions and participants of the competition.

Flute: results and participants

Results by year

Participants by year

Participants 2026