59th International Violin Competition
"Premio Paganini"
Premio Paganini in London
After the great success of the London initiatives in October 2024—culminating in the extraordinary concert with the London Symphony Orchestra, Antonio Pappano, and Paganini’s famous “Cannone” violin, in the presence of King Charles III—the Premio Paganini returns to London with two concerts at the Italian Cultural Institute in London (ICI London) and at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
ICI London will host the launch events for the 59th edition of the Competition on June 25, featuring a concert by Japanese violinist Rino Yoshimoto, second-place winner of the 58th edition of the Competition, performing in duo with pianist Sergei Redkin.
The musical programme weaves together Italy and the United Kingdom, virtuosity and lyricism, folk tradition and the great European violin repertoire. Opening the concert will be Paganini’s Variations on “God Save the King” M.S. 56, a symbolic tribute to the host country. This will be followed by William Walton’s Sonata in A minor, Edward Elgar’s La Capricieuse op. 17, Paganini’s Caprices Nos. 1 and 24, and Londonderry Air in the arrangement by Fritz Kreisler.
The Yoshimoto–Redkin Duo will give a second concert on Friday, 26 June 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Auditorium of Pembroke College, Cambridge.
The London and UK initiatives—presented by the Director of IIC London Francesco Bongarrà, the President of the Prize Giovanni Panebianco, the Artistic Director Nicola Bruzzo, and the President of the International Jury of the next edition—are part of the “Paganini Abroad” programme, aimed at strengthening the international presence of the Prize through collaborations with Embassies, Italian Cultural Institutes, and prestigious international musical institutions, consolidating the role of the Premio Paganini as a cultural infrastructure of Italian excellence.
Programme:
Niccolò Paganini: Variations on “God save the king” M.S. 56
William Walton: Sonata in A minor for violin and piano
- Allegro tranquillo
- Variazioni. Andante
Edward Elgar: La Capricieuse op. 17
Niccolò Paganini: Capricci for solo violin No. 1 & 24
Fritz Kreisler / Irish folk song: Londonderry air
Rino Yoshimoto
23-year-old Japanese violinist Rino Yoshimoto has rapidly emerged as one of the most captivating young artists of her generation. She has performed in many of the world’s leading concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein Vienna, and major venues throughout Europe and Asia. Ms. Yoshimoto’s compelling artistry and commanding stage presence have led her to concerto and recital tours across Europe. She was invited on tour to Spain as soloist with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, where her performances received critical acclaim. She has also appeared in solo recitals and numerous orchestral and chamber music projects in Japan, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Russia, and the United States. She is a prize winner at several major international competitions, most recently receiving the Second Prize at the 58th Premio Paganini International Violin Competition (2025). She was awarded the Second Prize at the 10th Fritz Kreisler International Violin Competition (2022) and is a prizewinner of the Isagyun competition 2024 and 2020 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition as well as the 16th Padova International Music Competition “Premio Città di Padova.” Ms. Yoshimoto currently performs on the Stradivarius “Muntz” (1736), generously loaned to her by the Sasakawa Music Foundation. She has been studying in Vienna from the age of 14 with Professor Michael Frischenschlager. At 17, she was admitted to the class of Augustin Dumay at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, where she graduated with highest distinction in 2025. She is currently pursuing the Artist Diploma in Chamber Music at the same institution, studying with Miguel da Silva, Corina Belcea, and Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden. Her past teachers include Masako Kida, Gérard Poulet, Mauro Iurato, Yoshio Unno, and Michael Frischenschlager.
Sergei Redkin
Sergei Redkin (b. 1991, Krasnoyarsk, Siberia) is celebrated as one of his generation’s most insightful pianists. Winner of the Second Prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition (Brussels, 2021) and Bronze Medal at the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition (Moscow, 2015), Sergei also earned First Prizes at the Maj Lind International Piano Competition (Helsinki, 2012) and the Prokofiev Competition (St. Petersburg, 2013). Since his laureate successes, Redkin has started an international career defined by artistry and versatility. He has appeared with orchestras including the London Philharmonia, Sinfonia Varsovia, St. Petersburg Philharmonic under Yuri Temirkanov, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra under Vladimir Fedoseyev, and the Mariinsky Orchestra under Valery Gergiev, performing in prominent halls—from Musikverein Vienna to Philharmonie de Paris, Ruhr Piano Festival, Verbier Festival, Lucerne Festival, Kissinger Sommer, and venues across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Praised for his imaginative interpretations and bright stage presence, Redkin debuted early - beginning piano at the age of six in Krasnoyarsk and later studying at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Alexander Sandler (piano) and Alexander Mnatsakanyan (composition). His studies included the International Lake Como Academy, where he worked with William Grant Naboré, Dmitry Bashkirov, Peter Frankl, and Fou Ts’ong. Selected as recipient of the Ruhr Piano Festival Prize in 2018 - nominated by Philip Glass, Dennis Russell Davies, and Maki Namekawa - Redkin’s trajectory continues with expanding recital and orchestral engagements and a growing international presence. Since 2017, Redkin has served as Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium. His discography includes two solo albums released on the Fuga Libera (2022, 2024) to critical acclaim, showcasing his wide-ranging repertoire and distinctive interpretative voice.
