The first event linked to the Piccinni Prize 2025 has successfully concluded. On the anniversary of the birth of the famous composer, a ceremony was held in the prestigious Palazzo di Brera in Milan to announce the new Piccinni Ambassadors, prominent figures from artistic, cultural and institutional spheres who will make up the newly formed Comité d’Honneur.

The Piccinni Prize – For excellence in the performing arts, now in its 43^rd edition, is one of the most prestigious awards in the performing arts scene. Created to celebrate the legacy of Niccolò Piccinni, a central figure in 18th-century Italian opera and a cultural bridge between Italy and France, the prize is awarded annually by the Comité d’Honneur to figures who embody excellence in the field of music, opera or dance and have the ability to inspire new generations. Throughout its long history, the Piccinni Prize has honoured legends of music and the performing arts such as director Franco Zeffirelli, conductor Georges Prêtre, violinist Uto Ughi and singers of the calibre of Leyla Gencer, Joan Sutherland, Carlo Bergonzi, Christa Ludwig, Franco Corelli and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.

The ceremony on 16^th January involved the presentation of plaques to the new members of the Comité d’Honneur, in addition to Maximilien Seren-Piccinni, President of the Niccolò Piccinni Fund and director and artistic director of the Garda Festival, Simone Di Crescenzo, Coordinator of the committee, pianist and musicologist, members of the Fund and the Piccinni family. Selecting the winner of the Piccinni 2025 Prize will be:

Rossella Vanna Ardielli, Garda Festival founder; Stefania Bonfadelli, opera singer and director; Michele Calella, musicologist, Universität Wien; Andrea Cigni, Superintendent and artistic director of the Ponchielli Theatre, Cremona, Monteverdi Festival; Elena D’Ambrogio Navone, journalist and writer; Andrea Estero, President of the National Association of Music Critics, managing editor of «Classic Voice»; Giampaolo Fogliardi, Garda Festival founder and Honourable Member of the Italian Republic; Federico Freni, Undersecretary of State for Economy and Finance; Giuseppe Gerbino, musicologist at Columbia University New York; Vito Lentini, journalist, dance and ballet critic, Editor-in-chief of «Sipario»; Dominique Meyer, Superintendent of La Scala Theatre, Milan; Filippo Michelangeli, journalist, Managing Editor of «Amadeus» and «Suonare News»; Kate van Orden, musicologist at Harvard University and IMS President; Roger Parker, musicologist at King’s College London; Elisabetta Perucci, journalist and writer; Mario Resca, President of Mondadori Retail and Confimprese, formerly Director General of the Ministry of Culture; Susan Rutherford, musicologist at University of Cambridge; Augusto Techera, Director of artistic production at the Teatro de la Maestranza Seville; Alberto Triola, professor of Bologna University, formerly Superintendent and Artistic Director.

During the ceremony, Maria Alberta Viviani Corradi-Cervi, formerly Director of RAI Radio programmes, was awarded the prestigious “Targa Piccinni” (Piccinni Plaque), an honour that the Fund presents to an important figure in the cultural world for contributing significantly to the Piccinni Fund in past years.

‘The Piccinni Prize is more than just an artistic award, it is a tribute to the power of art to connect cultures and generations,’ said Maximilien Seren-Piccinni. ‘This year, on the anniversary of Niccolò Piccinni’s birth, we are setting up a new committee to honour the great composer’s legacy as a champion of talent, and to connect his vision with the future of the performing arts. At the same time, we pay tribute to my grandfather, Vittorio Piccinni, whose vision continues to illuminate the path we have been proudly pursuing since 1961. His passion and dedication to music made him a pivotal figure in promoting European musical culture in the 1960s and 1970s, and a tireless advocate for artistic initiatives. It is also thanks to his inspiration that we can today celebrate such a rich legacy, projecting it into the future through initiatives like the Garda Festival.’

Regarding the Comité d’Honneur, Simone Di Crescenzo stated, ‘It is an example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in the art world. By choosing new ambassadors, we want to ensure that the prize continues to reflect the values underpinning it since its foundation. In our view, rewarding excellence today means – for those who have taken up this important legacy – celebrating those who have distinguished themselves through innovative interpretations, as well as exploring new avenues for promoting music, theatre and dance, especially in areas that have long remained in the shadows. It is about recognising not only artistic prominence, but also the human qualities of the protagonists of our time. These are all values that I share with President Maximilien Piccinni, who had the vision and distinction to bring this Prize to Italy.’

The Undersecretary of State for the Economy and Finance Federico Freni, appointed as Piccinni Ambassador “for his outstanding institutional contributions and active commitment to promoting Italy’s musical heritage”, commented on the recognition: ‘Working with music, at all levels and in all its forms, is a privilege and a responsibility. The Ambassadors appointed today embody this mission, dedicating themselves to keeping art, beauty and culture alive in a world where, all too often, the lights are fading. With this appointment as Piccinni Ambassador, I am passionately committed to keeping this light burning, working to promote a cultural heritage that reflects the deepest and most authentic soul of our country.’

Mario Resca, chairman of Mondadori Retail and Confimprese, formerly director general of the Ministry of Culture, commented on the role of Piccinni Ambassador: ‘For me, Piccinni, with his extraordinary contribution to musical culture, is a symbol of the importance of promoting and enhancing our cultural heritage around the world. This commitment, which I carry forward with great pride, is not just a way to honour his memory, but also a means of actively contributing to the growth and promotion of our rich artistic tradition.’

Susan Rutherford was appointed Piccinni Ambassador for her “outstanding scientific contributions to the understanding of Italian melodrama in history and society”. ’I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because joining this committee is a great honour for me. As a musicologist, I firmly believe that behind the great names of the past lies a talent that deserves to be rediscovered, celebrated and passed on to future generations. The legacy of these artists must not fade into obscurity, but should be preserved and enhanced as an integral part of our cultural heritage.’

The Piccinni Prize is awarded annually during the Garda Festival – Lake Garda International Music and Dance Festival, an event aimed at enriching the artistic, musical and cultural offer of the region.