Genoa, 1 September 2026 – Applications are now officially open for the 59th edition of the Premio Paganini, which will take place in Genoa from 11 to 24 October 2027.
Young violinists from around the world may submit their applications from 1 September to 1 December 2026, following the procedures set out in the competition regulations, available here 
The 59th edition introduces important new features and further strengthens the competition’s international outlook. Ning Feng, winner of the Premio Paganini in 2006, will chair the International Jury, becoming both the youngest Jury President in the history of the competition and the first to come from Asia. He will be joined by an outstanding panel comprising Ju-Young Baek, Mauro Bucarelli, Francesca Dego, Ida Kavafian, Roman Simović and Akiko Suwanai.
The selection process will begin with a video preselection, followed by a second phase of live auditions, which will take place between April and May 2027 in Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Genoa and New York, confirming the extensive international network that the Premio has developed in recent years.
The repertoire for the new edition is characterised by significant stylistic variety, with a particular focus on chamber music and contemporary repertoire. Among the highlights is the performance, in the semifinal, of a work for violin and live electronics specially commissioned by the Premio Paganini for the competition and composed by Italian composer Matteo Franceschini, reflecting the competition’s openness to the artistic languages of the present day. 
The final stages of the competition will take place in the heart of Genoa, involving not only Palazzo Tursi and Teatro Carlo Felice, but also Teatro Gustavo Modena, a venue that will further strengthen the dialogue between the Premio Paganini and the city.
All information, the competition regulations and the documentation required to apply are available here.
Applications may be submitted until 1 December 2026.