The Paganini Competition (also known as the Premio Paganini or Paganini Concorso Internazionale di Violino) is an international violin competition named after the famed virtuosoNiccolò Paganini, considered the founder of modern violin technique. Established in 1954, it is currently held biennially at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Italy, typically in September or October.
The Premio Paganini is one of the most important violin competitions. Following a pre-selection stage, the contest consists of three rounds: preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals. The required repertoire includes works for solo violin, violin and piano accompaniment, and violin with orchestra, featuring compositions by Niccolò Paganini and a contemporary work commissioned by the competition. Performers may also include works by other composers in their programs.
History
The Paganini Competition was established in 1954 in Genoa as part of the city’s Colombian Celebrations, following a proposal first made in 1940 by music critic Carlo Marcello Rietmann. The initiative, delayed by World War II, was realized under Councillor for Fine Arts Lazzaro Maria De Bernardis and composer Luigi Cortese, who served as the first Artistic Director.
Originally held at the Niccolò Paganini Conservatory, the competition later moved to the Teatro Margherita to accommodate larger audiences and, since 1992, has taken place at the Teatro Carlo Felice. It gained international recognition early on and became a founding member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in 1957.
Over time the competition has undergone several structural changes: it shifted from an annual to a biennial event, introduced open preliminary rounds in the 1980s, and later added international pre-selections in cities such as Genoa, New York, Vienna and Tokyo. Since 2004, contemporary works have been commissioned for competition performance, and the organizational role has been shared with the Fondazione Teatro Carlo Felice.
Eligibility
Participants of all nationalities may participate, provided they are at least 15 by the applicant deadline and no older than 31 years of age through the duration of the competition.
Competition
Paganini Competition performance in 2015
The competition was held annually between 1954 and 2001. Since then, its frequency has varied, including a five-year hiatus between 2010 and 2015. Under current rules, it is scheduled to take place every two years.
Preliminaries: Preliminary repertoire includes two selections for solo violin or violin and piano accompaniment, and two of Niccolò Paganini’s Caprices, Op. 1.
Semi-Finals: Candidates perform three or four works for solo violin or violin and piano, including one virtuosic piece by Paganini and one contemporary composition.
Finals: Candidates perform two works with orchestra, one of which must be by Paganini. These may be complete concertos or selected movements.
Jury
The international jury consists of seven to nine members, who are usually violinists but sometimes conductors, composers, and other musicians.
In February 2018, prior to that year's competition, chairman Fabio Luisi resigned in protest at what he described as external interference in the jury selection process by city cultural official Elisa Serafini.
Awards
The first prize, known as the Premio Paganini, is not necessarily awarded each edition. The winner is given the opportunity to perform on Paganini’s 1743 Il Cannone violin by Guarneri 'del Gesù', and may receive concert and recording engagements. Joint winners are no longer awarded.
Six musicians place, though occasionally seven have been awarded prizes. Since 1989, special distinctions and prizes may also be granted by external institutions or donors.
Special awards
Prize in memory of Dr. Enrico Costa: Offered by the Costa Family to the youngest participant admitted to the Final.
Prize in memory of Renato De Barbieri: Offered by the Government of the Province of Genoa to one of the finalists for the best interpretation of Paganini’s Capricci within the Preliminary and Semifinal Stages.
Prize of the Association Amici di Paganini: Offered by the Association for the finest performance of the Paganini Concerto.
Prize in memory of Mario Ruminelli: Offered by the Ruminelli Family to the best placed finalist
Friends of the Nuovo Carlo Felice Association prize: Offered for the best performance of the commissioned work.
