“Premio Paganini” International Violin Competition Introduces a Chamber Music Round

The semi-final round of the competition will see contestants perform in multiple chamber music formations for the first time in the event's history

Based in Genoa, Italy, the 58th “Premio Paganini” International Violin Competition, the competition will take place in October 2025. Open to candidates of any nationality aged between 15 and 30, the competition's applications close on February 11, 2025.

For the first time, this upcoming edition will feature a chamber music round during the semifinals. The competition's Artistic Director, Nicola Bruzzo, has announced this new element to "highlight the importance of mutual listening, collaboration, and musical interaction."

Contestants will perform in a string quartet formation and will join a piano trio and a violist for a quintet repertoire.

Supporting this initiative is Le Dimore del Quartetto, a creative cultural enterprise founded by Francesca Moncada. Started in 2015, it is a network of over 90 ensembles from around the world, carefully selected by artistic director Simone Gramaglia, violist of the Quartetto di Cremona, that works to organize masterclasses, concerts, and educational projects.

“The decision to emphasize chamber music - meaning the ability to listen and react accordingly - is, above all, strategic. It reflects not just my personal beliefs but, more importantly, the evolving dynamics of the international music industry,"  said Director Nicola Bruzzo. "Today, young soloists aspiring to a major career are no longer expected to be just outstanding instrumentalists but also versatile and skilled chamber musicians, as evidenced by the programming of the world’s most prestigious festivals. Collaborating with Le Dimore del Quartetto brings one of the most beautiful and valuable aspects of music to the Premio Paganini: the ability to truly listen to one another."

“I am grateful to the new artistic director, Nicola Bruzzo, for introducing this round, which not only enriches the artistic journey of the candidates but also enhances their human dimension," states Francesca Moncada, founder of Le Dimore del Quartetto. "A soloist’s career can be quite solitary, especially if it is pursued with a self-centered approach. Expanding the repertoire not only multiplies career opportunities but also trains the artist for an intimate dialogue with other musicians, fostering a balanced and continuously evolving critical mindset.”