Winners of the Concours Maxence Larrieu Flute Competition 2024

Announcing the Winners of the 5th Maxence Larrieu Nice International Flute Competition

The 5th edition of the prestigious Maxence Larrieu Nice International Competition concluded on October 26, 2024, with an exhilarating final round held in Nice, France. Named in honor of the legendary flutist Maxence Larrieu, this competition brought together some of the most promising flutists from around the world, competing for a range of career-enhancing awards and recognition. We are delighted to present the full list of this year's winners, who captivated judges and audiences alike with their exceptional performances.

Competition Awards

First Grand Prize Maxence Larrieu: Julin Cheung (USA)

Julin Cheung took home the top prize, the First Grand Prize, which includes:

€10,000, sponsored by Joséphine and Xavier Moreno
A CD recording contract with Editions Chant de Linos
An Alto Flute 207, valued at €4,000, awarded by Pearl Flutes

Julin also received special accolades for his expressive artistry, winning additional special prizes for best performances of works by Connesson and Bertrand.

Second Prize: Bianca Maria Fiorito (Italy)

Bianca Maria Fiorito claimed the Second Prize, showcasing technical mastery and emotional depth:

€6,000, awarded by music enthusiasts
A wood headjoint valued at €2,500, gifted by Mancke and Adams

Bianca also received the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra's Special Mention, highlighting her as a standout in the competition.

Third Prize: Tommaso Gaeta (Italy)

Tommaso Gaeta’s virtuosic talent earned him the Third Prize:

€4,000, provided by Sankyo
A Yamaha piccolo, a remarkable instrument for expanding his performance repertoire

In addition, Tommaso earned the Audience Prize for his captivating presence on stage, with a €700 award from Adagio Assurances.

Fourth Prize: Federico Altare (Italy)

The Fourth Prize was awarded to Federico Altare for his finesse and nuanced interpretations:

€2,000, awarded by Miyazawa
A complete flute overhaul, valued at €1,400, courtesy of Flautissimo Genève

This prize provides essential support for Federico as he continues to refine his instrument and artistry.

Special Prizes

First Prize for Artistic Program: Judy Lee (Korea) - €1,000 or a professional video production, courtesy of Association La Traversière and the Jean-Pierre Rampal Association.
Second Prize for Artistic Program: Mathilde Alvin-Besson (France), who also received the Young Musician Award and €700 from Vent d’Azur.
Best Performance of Guillaume Connesson’s Work: Julin Cheung (USA) - €1,000 from the Seguin Fides Charitable Trust.
Best Performance of Elise Bertrand’s Work: A tie between Daniel Mieczkowski (Poland) and Julin Cheung (USA) - €1,000, awarded by the Seguin Fides Charitable Trust.
Best Performance of the French Music Program: Anna Komarova (Russia) - €500 from Parmenon and Powell.
Emmanuel Pahud’s Special Mention: An invitation for an artistic exchange with the four laureates, providing them with invaluable experience and insight from one of today’s leading flutists.

Celebrating Exceptional Talent

This year's Maxence Larrieu Nice International Competition was filled with moments of awe and inspiration as flutists from diverse backgrounds demonstrated remarkable skill and passion. Each winner has proven their dedication to advancing the art of the flute, and this competition has marked the beginning of many promising careers.

Congratulations to all the awardees for their outstanding achievements. We look forward to witnessing their continued contributions to the world of classical flute music, as they carry forward the legacy of Maxence Larrieu and inspire audiences worldwide.