King Charles III of England at the Premio Paganini concert in London, with Simon Zhu and "Il Cannone" alongside the LSO conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano 

London, 16 October 2024. 

What made the Premio Paganini concert with Simon Zhu and "Il Cannone" alongside the LSO conducted by Antonio Pappano even more extraordinary was the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, kept secret until the last moment. A historic moment, 44 years after October 16, 1980, when Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, during an official visit to Genoa, were honored with a special concert featuring "Il Cannone" by the famous Genoese violinist Renato De Barbieri, known as the Paganini of the 20th century. 

"We are truly very pleased that the King has honored the city of Genoa and the Premio Paganini with His presence, giving the event even more prestige and exceptional significance," declared Deputy Mayor Piciocchi. 

"It was an unforgettable concert. Thanks to Simon Zhu, the LSO musicians, and of course to Antonio Pappano, who on this occasion received the title of Paganini Ambassador," stated President Panebianco. 

"We witnessed a moment that will go down in the history of the Prize and our city, which is increasingly becoming a major player in the world thanks to the Premio Paganini," said Councilor Barbara Grosso, who, on the eve of the concert during the Embassy event, presented the official video for the 58th edition of the competition. 

"A young man with unique talent, the legendary violin that once belonged to the King of all violinists, and the King of England himself were the protagonists of yesterday’s magical evening. It sounds like the beginning of an Oscar Wilde fairy tale, but it was, in fact, the Paganini Prize in London. The collaboration with the LSO and Maestro Pappano could not have been a better prelude to the launch of the 58th edition of the Prize, with Uto Ughi as Jury President," said Artistic Director Nicola Bruzzo.

photos 

©Kevin Leyton_PA Wire 

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