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 6, 2026.
Up to 3 finalists will be selected to perform for a panel of judges and the Flute Fair audience on Saturday, November 7.
- The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $1000.
- 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
2026 RAFA Artist Competition Semi-Final Round
Friday, November 6, 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
2026 RAFA Artist Competition Final Round
with pianist Kenneth Grigg
Saturday, November 7, 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. 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. 10 in F# minor, with all repeats. Any edition. Suggested edition:https://www.baerenreiter.com/en/product/BA02971D
- Anna Clyne: Hopscotch https://www.tfront.com/p-516946-hopscotch-for-solo-flute-2019
Electronic submission deadline: 11:59 p.m., Sunday, September 13
Semi-final round:
November 6, 6:30 p.m.
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Final round:
November 7 (during the RAFA Flute Fair)
Highland United Methodist Church
2026 RAFA Artist Competition official rules
For more information, contact Kelly Nivison, Artist Competition Coordinator
rafa.artist.competition@gmail.com
Use the following form to enter the RAFA Artist Competition and submit your recordings.