International Flute Competition 2026: In Memoriam Peter-Lukas Graf
by Anna Krawczyk
The International Flute Competition 2026 was created as a tribute to the life, artistry, and extraordinary legacy of Professor Peter-Lukas Graf - one of the most respected flutists and pedagogues of our time.
For me, this project also has a deeply personal meaning.
As a young flute student, I listened constantly to Professor Graf’s recordings - at that time still on cassette tapes - and he became my musical idol, the most remarkable flutist and an artistic ideal in my eyes. I admired the beauty of his sound, the sensitivity of his interpretation, and the elegance of his musicianship.
Later, I was profoundly moved to have the opportunity to attend lessons he gave in Poland, in Gdańsk, and to hear him perform in Kraków during the ceremony at which he received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. On that special occasion, he performed together with his daughter, Aglaia Graf.
His book Check Up also played an important role in my artistic development. In a time before online resources and video tutorials, it opened my eyes to many technical and musical questions and became an invaluable guide in improving my playing.
Although I never had the honour of studying with Professor Graf personally, I feel that I owe him a great deal. Through his artistry and pedagogical legacy, he inspired me to love the flute ever more deeply and helped shape my decision to become a professional flutist.
For this reason, the idea was born to honour him in the most meaningful way I could imagine: by creating an international event that brings together the flute community across generations - from the youngest students to advanced performers and professionals.
With the kind permission of Professor Graf’s family, the first edition of the competition will take place online between June and August 2026 under the honorary dedication In Memoriam Peter-Lukas Graf.
The competition aims to provide an inspiring international platform for artistic growth, musical exchange, and encouragement for flutists around the world.
The first application stage, dedicated to the Junior Categories (up to the age of 13) officially opens on May 1st and closes on May 30th.
The international jury includes:
Elizaveta Ivanova
Zofia Neugebauer
Kacper Dąbrowski
Seweryn Zapłatyński
Further details and applications: www.ifc-plgraf.com
While I am fully aware that an online format cannot entirely replace the experience of a live competition, at this stage it is the most accessible and realistic solution.
At the same time, this format offers important advantages. It allows participation from flutists who might not otherwise be able to take part due to geographical distance, financial limitations, or logistical challenges. Attending a live competition often requires the presence of not only the participant, but also a pianist, teacher, and sometimes family members - which can make participation difficult for many.
The online format makes it possible to include a wider and more diverse group of young musicians, giving them an opportunity to perform, be heard, and receive recognition.
Through my experience co-organising the National Flute Competition in Lublin (Poland) , together with flutist Zyta Krużel at the Tadeusz Szeligowski Music School (thanks to the kind support of the school’s director), I have seen how deeply young musicians value these moments. They love coming, they love performing, and above all, they love the flute. The warm and supportive atmosphere of the competition becomes an important part of their artistic journey.
In the most recent edition, we received over 140 applications, and due to time limitations it was not possible to accept all participants. At the same time, we see how much these opportunities matter - even a distinction can give young performers remarkable motivation and confidence.
At the same time, we observe how much joy performing brings to young musicians, and how even a distinction can give them remarkable motivation and confidence.
We are here to support, nurture, and develop the passion and love for the flute among young musicians.