Applications for the 59th International Violin Competition “Premio Paganini” in Genoa, Italy, are now open to violinists aged between 15 and 30. The competition will culminate in Genoa from October 11 to 24 October, 2027, following a selection process that will begin with a video round and continue with live auditions in Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Genoa and New York.
The 59th edition marks a new chapter in the artistic and international development. One new element includes the semifinal performance of a work for violin and live electronics commissioned from Italian composer Matteo Franceschini. Additionally, the competition will collaborate with Le Dimore del Quartetto, an international organization dedicated to supporting young ensembles and creating new professional opportunities for musicians.
In addition to a significant number of concert engagements, the first prize will include €30,000, second place will consist of €20,000, and third prize will be endowed with €10,000. Special prizes will also be awarded, including the Fondazione Stauffer Prize, which consists of the donation of a contemporary violin.
The first prize winner will also have the opportunity to play the celebrated “Cannone”, the 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin once owned by Niccolò Paganini and preserved in Genoa.
Applications are now open and will close on December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Italian time). To apply, click here.
Held in two stages, the Preliminary Round will involve a video preselection and a live audition round. The first 24 candidates chosen will be announced on June 16, 2027.
The Second Round live auditions will consist of recitals from 12 candidates, from which six will progress to the semifinal. The finals will be held over two consecutive days with three finalists performing a concerto with the Orchestra of the Teatro Carlo Felice.
The competition repertoire will vary significantly and include Paganini, Telemann, Bach, Locatelli and Bartók. The chamber music component will include major works by Schumann, Schubert, Beethoven, Dvořák and Franck.
“I would like the Premio Paganini to continue to represent the technical excellence that has always distinguished it, while also reflecting artistic curiosity and the ability to engage with different languages, repertoires and contexts,” says Nicola Bruzzo, Artistic Director of the Premio Paganini.
Chaired by the competition’s 2006 winner Ning Feng, the 2027 jury will comprise Ju-Young Baek, Mauro Bucarelli, Francesca Dego, Ida Kavafian, Roman Simović, and Akiko Suwanai.
Feng succeeds Uto Ughi, becoming the youngest Jury Chairman in the history of the competition.
“Twenty years ago, I had the great fortune and honour of winning the Premio Paganini. That experience opened the doors to my future career,” Feng recalls.
First held in 1954, the competition has launched the careers of violinists including VC Artist Kevin Zhu, Ning Feng, Isabelle Faust, Gidon Kremer, and Leonidas Kavakos.
The 59th edition is also part of the Premio Paganini’s broader international program, Paganini Abroad, a project promoted and driven by President Giovanni Panebianco.
From:THE VIOLIN CHANNEL
