Some numbers concerning the most famous violin competition in the world

The 57th edition of “Premio Paganini” breaks the record of number of applicants with 117, the highest since the prize was established.

Of these, 111 were admitted, including 7 finalists from the International Competition of members of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) who automatically enter the Elimination round.

This edition of the “Premio Paganini”, with more women (60) than men (51), demonstrates its commitment to gender equality.

The international scope of the competition has expanded, with 30 nations represented, as opposed to the 21 countries in the last edition. There are 71 participants from Asia, 29 from Europe, including 5 Italians, and 11 from the Americas. The youngest musician is a 16 year-old contestant from Ukraine.

The majority of the candidates chose Genoa as the place to hold the pre-selections, followed, in order, by New York, Tokyo, Prague and Guangzhou.

The pre-selections begin in April. The calendar is as follows:

• Buenos Aires, Italian Cultural Institute - 17, 18, 19 April 2023 - To be confirmed, given the limited number of candidates who chose this venue as their first choice
• Guangzhou, Kayersburg Concert Hall - 24, 25, 26 April 2023
• New York, Italian Cultural Institute - 8, 9, 10 May 2023
• Prague, Italian Cultural Institute - 16, 17, 18 May 2023
• Tokyo, Italian Cultural Institute - 22, 23, 24 May 2023
• Genoa, Conservatory of music “Niccolò Paganini” - 29, 30, 31 May 2023

“The record number of entries in the latest edition of the Premio Paganini fills us with pride, the result of months of hard work. The competition now enters the pre–selection phase, prior to the final round, which will take place from 16-27 October in the Carlo Felice Theatre. From here to the end of the year, there will be an increase in activity and events. We are working at full rhythm to assure the success of the Premio Paganini, in synergy with other initiatives taking place in our city in the following months.” - declared Mayor Marco Bucci.

“117 candidates represent the highest number so far for the Premio Paganini. A target met in a very short time, thanks to the extraordinary energy and commitment of everyone involved. I am very proud to see the participation of many young violinists in this competition, especially since many of the candidates have chosen Genova as the venues for the pre-selections. For the first time in the history of the Premio Paganini, it will be held  in the Conservatory of music “Niccolò Paganini”. The three days in May will be a moment of great stimulation and challenge for our students.” - Barbara Grosso, City Councillor.

“I am supremely satisfied with these unprecedented results achieved thanks to productive teamwork. Results that speak for themselves. I can also affirm that there are more and more expressions of interest, especially abroad, in the competition, as well as proposals for collaboration, including those from parts of the world in which the Premio Paganini up to now was less well known. This constitutes an important challenge and provides a new horizon for our future efforts, in the name of Paganini and the city of Genoa.” - Giovanni Panebianco, President of the “Premio Paganini”.

“When I assumed the Artistic Direction in May 2022, I was convinced that we would have live up to the level of the prize’s legendary history. We had only a few months, working over the summer, to announce the new competition prior to the 27 October deadline; for this we ran a short marathon at the speed of a 100 metre dash. Today, discovering this record is a satisfaction that fills us with pride and a sense of increased responsibility. Viva Paganini, viva il Paganini!” - Nazzareno Carusi, Artistic Director.