Genova - International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini"
The International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini" was founded in 1954 with the goal of creating a violin competition with an international scope that would celebrate the legend of Niccolò Paganini and bring prestige to the City of Genoa, as well as provide a venue for discovering new young talents.
Agenda
The 58th Edition of the Premio Paganini begins Genoa, February 25
The 58th edition of the Premio Paganini confirms the positive participation data of the candidates, reaffirming itself as one of the most prestigious events on the international violin scene. Despite this year’s overlap with other prestigious competitions, 110 applications were submitted. Of these, 107 violinists were admitted: eighty from Asia, twenty-four from Europe (including eight Italians, double compared to 2023), five from North America, and one candidate with Australian citizenship. Women are in the majority, representing 55% of the applications.
The age range of participants is diverse, with an average age of twenty-two. The youngest candidate is just sixteen years old. Eight candidates - more than in previous years - will gain direct access to the Competition in Genoa, bypassing the pre-selection stage due to their prior successes in competitions of the Geneva International Federation (WFIMC).
The pre-selections will take place in Genoa (April 3/4), Guangzhou (April 12/13), Seoul (April 16), New York (April 29/30), and Berlin (May 6/8).
Artistic Director Nicola Bruzzo states: “I am very pleased not only with the number of applicants but especially with the truly high quality of the submissions, despite a more complex test structure compared to previous editions. The next winner of the Premio will need to demonstrate diverse skills: Paganinian virtuosity, chamber music sensitivity, and the ability to share their musical vision with the audience. The 58th edition is off to a great start. I would like to thank the jury who will work with me during the pre-selections and all those involved in various capacities, starting with the relevant Italian Cultural Institutes.”
The competition will culminate in the finals scheduled in Genoa from October 14 to 26, 2025, offering the city an event of extraordinary cultural and artistic significance. All information and the list of admitted violinists are available on the website www.premiopaganini.it
Contact
Gloria Piaggio
Comune di Genova, Direzione Politiche Culturali
Via David Chiossone, 10
16123 Genova
Italy