11th KIFC Outreach Program: Bringing World-Class Music to the Elementary Schools
The Outreach Program, launched during the 9th Competition, takes music beyond the concert hall. Contestants visit schools and public spaces throughout Kobe to share their artistry with the local community.
For the 11th Competition, performers visited three municipal elementary schools in Kobe. They performed a variety of pieces, including flute masterpieces and works by Japanese composers. It was a rare opportunity for students to experience the breath and resonance of world-class young musicians at close range.
After the performance, the students eagerly asked questions, and the contestants enjoyed sharing their insights. This heartfelt cultural exchange through music highlighted our commitment to giving back to the community and expanding the reach of the competition to the next generation.
Teachers’ Voices
It was an invaluable and deeply rewarding experience. I believe that the children who practiced for the school concert were able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of music. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity.
It was a truly valuable experience for the children. The opportunity to hear live flute performances—especially in an ensemble rather than solo—may be something they will rarely, if ever, encounter again in their lives. The young and energetic performance made listening a real joy.
Although the performers came from various parts of the world, the children were able to witness their excellent teamwork and the way they breathed together to create a single unified musical expression. I believe this was an exceptionally meaningful learning experience for them.
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| Venues | School Year/Number of Participants | Performers |
| Kitagoyo Elementary School | 1st-6th graders / approx. 300 | Manuel ASTUDILLO QUINTERO Katherine LEE Janette LEVÁN Héléna MACHEREL |
| Maya Elementary School | 1st-6th graders / approx. 420 | Gaia BERGAMASCHI Sayuri FUKUSHIMA Tomasz SIERANT Niccolò VALERIO |
| Wakakusa Elementary School | 5th & 6th graders / approx. 100 | Evyatar BARUCH Lorenzo MESSINA Yui SAKATA Xiaoyue SHANG Alma SONENSHTAIN |



