About the Competition

The aim of the Carl Nielsen International Competition is to discover the soloists of tomorrow on three instruments – violin, clarinet, and flute – the instruments for which Carl Nielsen wrote a concerto for each. In 2026, it will be the flutists’ turn to compete.

Carl Nielsen International Competition aims to deepen awareness of Carl Nielsen’s music and to inspire new generations to take up an instrument and share in the joy of making music.

Carl Nielsen International Competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions since 1981.

Odense Symphony Orchestra and the Carl Nielsen International Competition

The Carl Nielsen International Competition was founded in the late 1970’s by Odense Symphony Orchestra’s then Chief Conductor Karol Stryja and leader Peder Elbæk as well as by the City’s Mayor Mr. Verner Dalskov. In 1980, the first violin competition took place, and was held every four years in May-June in the following years. In 1997 and 1998, the disciplines clarinet and flute were added to the Carl Nielsen International Competition.  

Odense International Organ Competition was founded in the mid-80’s by two of Odense’s leading organ players Poul Børch from Odense Cathedral and organist in Sct. Hans Church Henning Nielsen, as well as by Mayor of Odense Mr. Verner Dalskov. The Organ Competition was held for the first time in 1986 organized by the City of Odense. As of 1 January 2009 the Organ Competition was added as a fourth discipline of the Carl Nielsen International Competition. Following the Carl Nielsen International Competition in 2013, the competition was reorganized into the present structure – Violin, Flute and Clarinet competition – to ensure further development and international recognition.  The Organ Competition is now hosted by the Danish National Academy of Music and is not any longer a part of the Carl Nielsen International Competition. 

Ever since 1980 Odense Symphony Orchestra has been the host of the Carl Nielsen International Competition, providing the public funding and most importantly: the participation of the orchestra at the final concerts as well as other events during the competition. The Carl Nielsen International Competition is a significant part of the Nielsen profile of Odense Symphony Orchestra.