58th International Violin Competition
"Premio Paganini"
A new collaboration with le Dimore del Quartetto
PREMIO PAGANINI: A NEW COLLABORATION WITH LE DIMORE DEL QUARTETTO
The Premio Paganini is renewing itself in 2025, marking a turning point in its history. For the first time, the prestigious international violin competition will introduce a chamber music round, creating a crucial new stage in the selection process for emerging soloists. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of mutual listening, collaboration, and musical interaction—fundamental skills for every musician.
Supporting this significant evolution will be Le Dimore del Quartetto, an internationally renowned creative cultural enterprise founded by Francesca Moncada. Since 2015, it has been dedicated to supporting chamber music ensembles and promoting cultural heritage through a circular economy model. With a well-established network of over 90 ensembles from around the world, carefully selected by artistic director Simone Gramaglia, violist of the Quartetto di Cremona, Le Dimore del Quartetto passionately works to enhance young artists by organizing masterclasses, concerts, and educational projects.
The new round, which will take place during the semifinals of the Premio Paganini in October 2025, represents a unique opportunity for contestants. They will perform as both first and second violin in a quartet formation and will join a piano trio as first violin, as well as a pianist and a violist for a quintet repertoire.
Playing in a chamber music setting means engaging with a musical dimension that enhances listening and interpretative sensitivity. It requires solo violinists to adapt to a continuous dialogue with other instruments. This synergy enriches the participants' artistic and educational journey, adding another dimension to their musical experience.
“The decision to emphasize chamber music—meaning the ability to listen and react accordingly—is, above all, strategic. It reflects not just my personal preferences but, more importantly, the current workings of the international music industry. Today, young soloists aspiring to a significant career are no longer expected to be just outstanding instrumentalists but also versatile and skilled chamber musicians, as evidenced by the programming of the world’s most prestigious festivals. Collaborating with Le Dimore del Quartetto means bringing to the Paganini one of the most beautiful and valuable aspects of music: the ability to truly listen to one another,” comments Director Nicola Bruzzo.
The partnership with Le Dimore del Quartetto represents an innovative element introduced by the new artistic direction, aiming to make the competition increasingly international and contemporary. It also offers the winner the opportunity to include chamber music repertoire alongside solo recitals and orchestral performances.
“I am grateful to the new artistic director, Nicola Bruzzo, for introducing this round, which not only enriches the artistic journey of the candidates but also enhances their human dimension. A soloist’s career can be quite solitary, especially if it is pursued with a self-centered approach. Expanding the repertoire not only multiplies career opportunities but also trains the artist for an intimate dialogue with other musicians, fostering a balanced and continuously evolving critical mindset,” states Francesca Moncada, founder of Le Dimore del Quartetto.
The chamber music round will not only help identify the most talented violinists but also promote a comprehensive and dynamic musical approach, capable of combining individual virtuosity with collective harmony.
This marks another step forward for a competition that, while deeply rooted in its history, has, in recent years, expanded its audience and strengthened its reputation as a launching pad for young talents from around the world.
Le Dimore del Quartetto srl Impresa Sociale is a creative cultural enterprise that, since 2015, has been supporting young string quartets and international chamber music ensembles at the beginning of their careers while enhancing European cultural heritage with a circular economy approach. With a well-established network of residences, ensembles, and partners in the fields of music and cultural heritage, it specializes in designing and managing festivals and travel itineraries, masterclasses and training programs for musicians, educational projects for primary and secondary schools and universities, team-building activities for companies, residencies, and concerts in historic homes and other culturally significant locations.
