Genoa, 5th July - Maestro Uto Ughi was received this morning at Palazzo Tursi. The city councillor, Barbara Grosso, was there to welcome him. The meeting took place after the one held by Mayor Marco Bucci, on the sidelines of yesterday's Paganini Committee, organised in the Sala della Giunta Vecchia and chaired by Giovanni Panebianco, who was also present this morning with some members of the Committee, including Dr. Francesco Micheli, the supervisor Claudio Orazi and Princess Orsini, along with the Artistic Director, Maestro Nicola Bruzzo and the General Secretary of the Prize, Gloria Piaggio. Maestro Ughi was accompanied by Natascia Chiarlo, the artistic assistant and vice president of the Fondazione Ughi.

Following talks in the historical Studio, the delegation moved into the Paganini Halls, admiring the famous Cannon and, afterwards, Maestro Ughi visited the model of Genoa 2030 in the old council hall.

“This delightful meeting with councillor Grosso has given me the opportunity to once again express my satisfaction, pride and gratitude for having been called on to preside over the international jury for the next edition of the legendary Premio Paganini – declared Maestro Ughi - Sentiments reiterated yesterday also to President Panebianco and to the entire Paganini Committee in which I had the pleasure of participating. I’m very glad to be back in Genoa, it’s always beautiful and I’m happy to have the opportunity to come back often for the work that awaits us with the Artistic Director Bruzzo. This jury is going to be exceptional, as will be the 58th edition. The atmosphere at the Prize, whose headquarters I visited yesterday, is really positive. I'm happy there is a young team. It’s a very important message, something which I have chosen to be strongly committed to at this point in my life and career. Young people are the stars of tomorrow and we need to do everything we can to identify and support new talents, to bring young audiences closer to classical music and the extraordinary art of the violin."

“It’s a pleasure and a proud moment for Genoa to welcome today the Maestro Uto Ughi, a legendary figure in the international violin world, as President of the Jury of the 58th edition of Premio Paganini - declared councillor Grosso – Maestro Ughi certainly brings further added value in terms of international visibility to the Prize, which is always very much appreciated in all the institutional missions of the city of Genoa”. “The machine has never stopped working, but today it’s already going at full speed for the next edition of the competition. With the Mayor Bucci, we're certain that the experience gained will be built on to achieve even greater success - he then added - Premio Paganini is now the undisputed star of the music scene, in Italy and abroad, not only as a competition, but also as a true cultural institution. This is demonstrated by the events promoted by President Panebianco this year: after the Louvre, it’ll be the turn of the Prado in Madrid, then, with Carlo Felice, the Prize will fly over to New York, and it’ll be in London with the London Symphony Orchestra. It’s really an outstanding programme, which the city can be very proud of.”

“Everything is moving forwards according to the plan and schedule – explained President Panebianco – We have a perfect understanding with Maestro Ughi and Maestro Bruzzo and there’s a really good atmosphere at Paganini. We’re working across the board for the prestigious international events we have planned and to create a 58th edition that is even more special than the one before.”

“Carlo Felice welcomes Maestro Ughi with admiration and affection – declared Superintendent Orazi – We’re ready to work, as always, with the utmost commitment and in the spirit of integrated inter-institutional cooperation which is now a recognised feature of our work. I’m sure that the theatre in the 2025 edition will play an even stronger and more synergistic role than in the past.”

“Working on Premio Paganini as Artistic Director and being alongside a legend such as Uto Ughi is a great honour - commented the Artistic Director of the Prize, Maestro Nicola Bruzzo - At the same time, I’m very clear about the responsibilities that I’m about to undertake. Right from the very beginning, the collaboration with Maestro Ughi has been about great understanding and respect. We’re finalising the composition of the musical programme of the competition and the jury which will be truly exceptional. Along with President Panebianco, we’ll soon make all the names known.”