From 5 to 9 June, Parma hosts the annual General Assembly of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC). The event, organised for the first time by the Fondazione Arturo Toscanini, sees the participation of representatives of prestigious international music competitions from all over the world, including Premio Paganini.

Based in Geneva, the WFIMC has 125 members and is recognised by UNESCO.

Representing Paganini, one of the founding prizes of the Federation in 1957, is Enrico De Barbieri, member of the Prize Committee.

“Our presence here is the tangible sign of Premio Paganini’s constant attention and desire to intensify its international commitments across the board in every sphere, not just purely artistic ones. “I am grateful to President Giovanni Panebianco for having delegated me to be here to bear our testimony, the sign of a seventy-year history and of a legendary name – that of Paganini – inextricably linked to the city of Genoa and who left our city his most precious asset: his inseparable violin” – Enrico De Barbieri commented.

“The programme of this event to be held in the city of Parma is rich and significant, also foreseeing the renewal of the Federation’s social bodies. However, the time dedicated to discussion and exchange, both on a personal and institutional level, between the different entities that make up the Federation is also fundamental, especially in the current challenging times of contemporaneity” – concludes Enrico De Barbieri.