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We are collecting signatures in order to appeal to the City of Kobe for the continuation of Kobe International Flute Competition, hoping this activity help the event to be better known in Kobe and around the world.

The Kobe International Flute Competition is an event highly evaluated as one of the top flute competitions in the world and is also a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. But the competition is now at risk; the City of Kobe is reconsidering its support of the event, making its discontinuation a real possibility, stating the recognition of the competition among Kobe citizens seems to be weak and the return rate low.

The competition was first held in 1985, and has been held every four years since then. Many promising flute players throughout the world take part in the competition. Though it is only several dozen contestants who pass the screening and are actually allowed to come to Kobe to play, there are multitudes of young flutists dreaming of Kobe. The past winners are proud of their achievement in Kobe and have been playing active roles as solo flutists at world-renowned orchestras and as professors at well-established institutes around the world, proudly writing KOBE in their profiles.

For the jury panel, in addition to the prominent and internationally established figures who have led the music world, mainstay flutists who have built a brilliant career after winning in Kobe have been invited in recent years. Juries give a gala concert during the competition and some people even come a long way from home and neighboring countries to Kobe just to enjoy the gorgeous concert.

A considerable number of musicians and music aficionados around the world have come to know KOBE through this competition, and the event has also contributed to enhance the image of Kobe with its culturally and artistically high standard.

Sadly, it may be true that it has not been gaining much recognition among Kobe residents. The involvement of citizens in the event, however, has been increasing if not in a large scale; Some families offer the contestants with homestay and volunteer members help the backstage of the competition. We believe that the direction the competition should take is not towards discontinuation but to continuation with further enhancing and improving the event by seeking for what can be done to develop such involvement by Kobe citizens in the event and to enhance the people’s recognition.

For those who wish to send a message directly to the city of Kobe, we very much encourage you to do so. Here is a website where you can find the form, Message to the Mayor.

Also your ideas to make this competition more "an event by and for the citizens" such as advertising methods, lectures for school students in Kobe city, or any other feasible plans will be very welcome.

 We are looking forward to your input and support. Many, many thanks!

 

Kobe International Flute Competition Supporters

Contact: kobeflute@gmail.com

IKFC-Supporters blog for more information

Outline of KIFC (official site)