PETER-LUKAS GRAF  
IN MEMORIAM  
A competition dedicated to the legacy of one of the greatest flutists of our time.

The Swiss flutist, conductor, and pedagogue Peter-Lukas Graf - born in Zurich on 5 January 1929, was one of the most influential European flutists of the post-war period, with a career that combined international performance, teaching, recording, and scholarship. 
Peter-Lukas Graf pursued his flute studies with André Jaunet in Zürich, and later with the legendary Marcel Moyse and Roger Cortet in Paris, laying the foundation for an extraordinary international career. Alongside his instrumental studies, he also trained as a conductor, an interest that would later become a significant part of his professional activity. As a soloist, Graf performed extensively across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, appearing with leading orchestras and at major festivals. His repertoire ranged from Baroque and Classical works to contemporary music, and he was particularly associated with the French flute tradition shaped by Moyse, while maintaining a strong connection to German-speaking musical culture. Parallel to his performing career, Professor Graf was deeply committed to teaching. He served for many years on the faculty of the Basel Music Academy, where he trained generations of flutists who went on to international careers. His pedagogical influence extended well beyond the classroom through his widely used method books and technical studies for the flute, which remain part of standard teaching literature. Peter-Lukas Graf was also active as a conductor, leading orchestras, chamber ensembles, and opera productions, with a repertoire spanning from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. His discography, both as flutist and conductor, includes recordings of core flute repertoire as well as lesser-known works, reflecting his interest in both tradition and rediscovery. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including major international competition prizes and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Flute Association in the United States, acknowledging his lasting impact on flute performance and education worldwide. 
In recognition of his profound impact on music and education, he was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Academy of Music in Kraków. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Flute Association (USA) in 2005, as well as the Premio alla Carriera – Flauto d’Oro from the Italian FALAUT Association.
With the death of Peter-Lukas Graf, the international music community loses a central figure in twentieth-century flute playing - an artist whose legacy endures through his recordings, his writings, and the many musicians he taught.

This competition is held in his memory as a tribute to his extraordinary contribution to the world of music. It seeks not only to honor his legacy, but also to support and inspire young flutists who share his passion, discipline, and artistic vision. By bringing together  artists from around the world, this competition continues the spirit of excellence, curiosity, and artistic integrity that defined Peter-Lukas Graf’s life and work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor Graf’s family for their generous permission to organise this event in his honour and to include the words “In memoriam Peter-Lukas Graf”.