Premio Paganini: 70 years of violin excellence

Since its establishment in 1954, the Premio Paganini has become a pillar of the international music scene. Created to honour the legendary Genoese violinist Niccolò Paganini, this prestigious institution celebrates young talent and elevates Genoa’s cultural standing on the world stage. Over the decades, the competition has built a formidable legacy of excellence and rigour, embracing a renewed vision since its relaunch in 2022.

Winning the Premio Paganini is a career-defining achievement that has launched many of the world’s most celebrated violinists, including Salvatore Accardo, Miriam Fried, Gidon Kremer, Leonidas Kavakos, and Isabelle Faust.

This year, to mark its 70th anniversary, the Premio Paganini has curated an exceptional series of concerts and collaborations across Europe. Highlights include performances at the Musée du Louvre in Paris and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, culminating in a memorable concert with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Guildhall, London. At this event, recent winner Simon Zhu performed on Paganini’s famous violin, ‘Il Cannone,’ under the baton of Maestro Sir Antonio Pappano, with the distinguished presence of His Majesty King Charles III, adding an unmatched level of prestige to the occasion.

A New Challenge for Emerging Talent

The 58th Premio Paganini will take place in Genoa from October 14 to 26, 2025, promising new artistic challenges and inspiration. Artistic Director maestro Nicola Bruzzo presents a demanding and versatile edition, both in structure and repertoire. He has assembled a distinguished jury, chaired by the legendary violinist Uto Ughi, featuring internationally acclaimed figures such as Ana Chumachenco, Pavel Berman, Pamela Frank, Mihaela Martin, Enzo Restagno, and Sayaka Shoji.

The competition is open to violinists worldwide aged 15 to 30. Applications, accepted until 11 February 2025, will qualify candidates for the preselection round, held in Genoa, Guangzhou, Seoul, New York, and Berlin. Only 24 violinists will advance to the final rounds in Genoa in October 2025.

A Celebration of the Violin, between Tradition and Innovation

The 58th edition introduces a fresh focus on chamber music, testing candidates’ adaptability and collaborative skills while offering the jury and audience a deeper perspective on each artist’s versatility. This year’s programme highlights more of Paganini’s works than ever before, alongside masterpieces by Schumann, Schubert, Haydn, and Stravinsky. Finalists will perform both a Paganini concerto and a major violin concerto, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Teatro Carlo Felice. The competition will culminate in a gala performance at the theater on 26 October 2025, where the winner will have the honour of performing for the city of Genoa.

Prizes

In addition to a €30,000 cash prize, the winner will be awarded numerous concert engagements at prestigious music institutions over the next two years, a recording contract with Platoon, and the exceptional honour of performing on Paganini’s iconic 1743 Guarneri ‘Il Cannone’ violin.

The second and third prizes include €20,000 and €10,000, respectively, alongside special awards for the best Paganini concerto performance, best chamber music performance, and the coveted Audience Award.

Preselection Rounds

The 58th Premio Paganini begins with preselection rounds held in five major cities across the globe. These rounds will take place on the following dates: Genoa, 3-5 April, Guangzhou, 11-13 April, Seoul, 15-17 April, New York, 28-30 April and Berlin, 6-8 May 2025. Each city will serve as a gateway for talented violinists aiming to secure a place among the 24 finalists who will compete in Genoa in October 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the official website: www.premiopaganini.it.

Genoa awaits you for an unforgettable edition. Join the legend!