The RAFA Artist Competition was created to provide advanced flutists ages 17 and above an opportunity to compete on a worldwide level.
Six semi-finalists chosen from the recorded Preliminary round will perform for a panel of judges and the general public on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Up to 3 finalists will be selected to perform for a panel of judges and the Flute Fair audience on Saturday, November 8.
- The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $1000 and will be invited to perform at an event during the Raleigh Area Flute Association’s 2026-2027 season.
- The second place winner will receive a cash prize of $500.
- The third place winner will receive a cash prize of $250.
Congratulations to the 2025 RAFA Artist Competition winners:
- First Place: Sam Williams
- Second Place: Olivia Chaikin
- Third Place: Molly Damitio
Judging results from the 2025 Preliminary recorded round:
Semi-finalists (in alphabetical order by last name)
- Olivia Chaikin
- Ariel Collins
- Molly Damitio
- Caleb Estrada-Valentín
- Michael Hung
- Sam Williams
2025 RAFA Artist Competition Semi-Final Round
Friday, November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Our 6 semi-finalists will perform 20-minute programs of unaccompanied music for a panel of judges and for the general public.
Open to the public
Free admission
2025 RAFA Artist Competition Final Round
with pianist Kenneth Grigg
Saturday, November 8, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (during the RAFA Flute Fair)
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Flute Fair: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Up to 3 finalists chosen from the Semi-Final round will perform 20-minute programs with piano for a panel of judges and the Flute Fair audience.
The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $1000 and will be invited to perform at an event during the Raleigh Area Flute Association’s 2025-2026 season. The second place winner will receive a cash prize of $500. The third place winner will receive a cash prize of $250.
We hope you will attend both events!
Preliminary recorded round repertoire:
- G.P. Telemann: Fantasia No. 9 in E Major, with all repeats
- A. Hailstork: Yuhwa
Electronic submission deadline: 11:59 p.m., Saturday, September 20 (extended from September 13)
Semi-final round:
November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Final round:
November 8 (during the RAFA Flute Fair)
Highland United Methodist Church
2025 RAFA Artist Competition official rules
2025 RAFA Artist Competition PDF flyer
For more information, contact Kelly Nivison, Artist Competition Coordinator
rafa.artist.competition@gmail.com
Entry and electronic submission is now closed.