Who can apply for the 59th Premio Paganini?

The Competition is open to violinists of all nationalities who are between 15 and 30 years of age. Candidates must have reached the age of 15 by 1 December 2026 and must not yet have reached the age of 31 by 24 October 2027.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted exclusively online by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 (Italian time). After this deadline, the online application procedure will no longer be accessible.

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed exclusively online through the official Premio Paganini website. Candidates must complete and sign the Application Form and upload all the required documents and materials before submitting the application.

Which documents do I need to submit?

Candidates must upload:

• the completed and signed Application Form;
• a valid passport or identity document;
• a recent colour photograph;
• the video for Stage 1 of the Preselection;
• proof of payment of the €150 application fee;
• any relevant diploma from a competition affiliated with the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC).

Before submitting the application, candidates must click the red button to accept the Privacy Notice.

Each document uploaded to the application portal must comply with the technical requirements indicated on the application page.

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is €150. Candidates residing in Italy must pay through PagoPA, while candidates residing abroad must pay by bank transfer. Proof of payment must be uploaded together with the application.

What does the Preselection video have to contain?

The video must contain, in a single continuous, unedited take:

• two Paganini Caprices, chosen by the candidate from the 24 Caprices, Op. 1;
• one Telemann Fantasia, chosen by the candidate from the 12 Fantasias, TWV 40:14–25.

The three works must be performed in one continuous recording, without cuts, stops or editing.

Can I edit the video or record the pieces separately?

No. The three works must be recorded in one single, continuous and unedited video. Cuts, edits or separate recordings are not permitted.

What are the technical requirements for the video?

The video must be recorded with a fixed camera, with the candidate fully visible throughout the performance. Particular attention should be paid to the visibility of the candidate’s face and hands.

The video must be submitted in MP4 format, in 16:9 widescreen, with a minimum resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels. Full HD is recommended.

A professional recording is not required.

Where should I upload my video?

The video must be uploaded to one of the platforms accepted by the Competition, and the relevant link must be entered in the online application form.

Please make sure that the link is accessible and that no password or access restriction prevents the Competition Secretariat from viewing the video.

What happens after the video Preselection?

Candidates selected after the assessment of the video will be invited to Preselection Stage 2 – Live Auditions.

The list of candidates admitted to Stage 2 will be published on the Premio Paganini website by 15 February 2027.

Where will the Live Auditions take place?

The Live Auditions will take place on the following dates and in the following cities:

• Tokyo: 12–13 April 2027
• Shanghai: 15–16 April 2027
• Berlin: 26–27 April 2027
• Genoa: 29–30 April 2027
• New York City: 11–12 May 2027

When submitting the application, candidates must indicate two preferred locations, in order of preference.

What is required for the Live Audition?

At Preselection Stage 2, candidates will perform:

• two Paganini Caprices, different from those presented in the video stage;
• the first and second movements of one of the three Bach Sonatas for solo violin;
• the first movement of Schumann’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105.

The Schumann Sonata must be performed with the pianist appointed by the Premio Paganini.

Can I be admitted directly to Preselection Stage 2 without taking part in the video Preselection?

Yes. Candidates who have won First, Second or Third Prize in the most recent edition of a violin competition affiliated with the WFIMC may be admitted directly to Stage 2 – Live Auditions, subject to the submission and verification of the relevant certificate.

Can I apply if I am under 18?

Yes. Candidates who are minors may apply. The Application Form must be completed and signed by a parent or another person exercising parental responsibility, in accordance with the requirements indicated in the application procedure.

Will I receive confirmation after submitting my application?

Yes. Once the application has been successfully submitted, the system will automatically send a confirmation email acknowledging receipt.

If you do not receive the confirmation email, please contact immediately the Competition Secretariat at competition@premiopaganini.it.

What should I do if I experience a technical problem while applying?

If you encounter a technical problem during the application procedure, please contact the Competition Secretariat as soon as possible at competition@premiopaganini.it, providing appropriate documentation or screenshots of the problem where possible.

Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the final hours before the deadline to submit their application.

Where can I find the complete rules and repertoire?

The complete Regulations of the 59th Premio Paganini, together with the Application Guide and the full repertoire for all stages of the Competition, are available on the official Premio Paganini website.

For any matter not specifically addressed in the FAQ, the official Competition Regulations shall apply.