Carl Nielsen International Competition

For ten days in March 2019, the Carl Nielsen International Competition – for violin, clarinet and flute – will be held concurrently for the first time in the composer’s hometown of Odense, Denmark. The Odense Symphony Orchestra invites young instrumentalists under the age of 30 in each instrumental category to apply. Applications open on 1 May and close on 15 October 2018.

Representing the 2019 competition as Artistic Advisors are three of the world’s leading musicians in their fields – Nikolaj Znaider, Emmanuel Pahud and Martin Fröst – who will actively participate in the selection process.

As President of the Carl Nielsen Competitions Nikolaj Znaider commented “I am delighted that we are able to hold all three competitions concurrently in 2019 and cannot wait to welcome all the talented young musicians to Odense together with my fellow jury members. I would like to thank Martin Fröst and Emmanuel Pahud for joining me as Artistic Advisors – their help in selecting the applicants will be crucial in making sure that the very best young instrumentalists are invited to participate.”

“We will launch the 2019 Competitions with three concerts presented by the Carl Nielsen Academy Orchestra comprising young talented instrumentalists from across Denmark. The aim of the project is to inspire more children and young people to play an instrument as a tool to self-expression and communication, and to strengthen the musical foundation of future musical life in Danish orchestras.  I look forward to taking the stage for one of these concerts and am particularly glad that the winners of the 2016 Carl Nielsen Violin Competition – Jiyoon Lee and Liya Petrova – will be returning to Denmark to perform at the other two concerts.”

The people of Carl Nielsen’s hometown, together with the Odense Symphony Orchestra look forward to celebrating the power and legacy of Carl Nielsen’s music, presenting unique opportunities for the world’s most talented young instrumentalists to launch their careers.