Genoa, 28th November 2024

Yesterday, the Hotel Bristol Palace’s renovated “Paganini Hall” served as venue for the presentation of the new partnership between the prestigious Premio Paganini and the renowned Genoese hotel owned by Duetorrihotels Group. Central to the evening was the announcement of the “Hotel Bristol Palace - Duetorrihotels Collection Special Prize” that will be awarded by the International Jury chaired by Maestro Uto Ughi to the best chamber music performance of the 58th edition of the Premio Paganini, taking place in Genoa from 14th to 26th October 2025.

The event saw the participation of important cultural and institutional figures: the Artistic Director of the Competition, Nicola Bruzzo, Councillor with Delegated Responsibilities Barbara Grosso, the President of the Premio Paganini Giovanni Panebianco, the Deputy Mayor of Genoa Pietro Piciocchi and the President of the Region of Liguria, Marco Bucci.
The renovated elegant and highly-technological “Paganini Hall” hosted violinist Jingzhi Zhang, awarded second place in the 2023 Paganini Competition, who performed pieces by Bach and Paganini’s renowned Capricci, engaging the audience in an intense, yet intimate musical experience, embodying the true spirit of chamber music.
Giovanni Panebianco, President of the Premio Paganini, proved satisfied with the new collaboration: “We are enthusiastic about the synergy with the Hotel Bristol Palace and Duetorrihotels Group’s commitment to supporting culture. The Special Prize is an important contribution, that confirms the competition’s value as a showcase and springboard for talented young musicians across the world.”

“This recognition is an innovative step for the Premio Paganini - forward-looking, yet in line with its tradition. Just like the Hotel Bristol’s renovation, this initiative has been able to unite respect for history with a desire for evolution. I would like to thank Mr. Ferrando for organising this event in the new hall dedicated to Niccolò Paganini and for the generous support that will make the allocation of the Special Prize in the 2025 and 2027 editions possible. Special thanks also go to Jingzhi Zhang, the excellent violinist who won second place last edition and made the evening unforgettable with her extraordinary rendition of Paganini and Bach pieces”, remarked the Competition’s Artistic Director, Maestro Nicola Bruzzo.

The initiative further adds value to the Premio Paganini, associating an icon of Genoese hospitality to talented young international musicians. The Hotel thus confirms its age-old cultural connections with the city and renews its support of the Genoese competition, which this year celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first edition.