The Niccolò Piccinni Fund was founded in Belgium in 1961 by descendants of the famous 18th-century composer Niccolò Piccinni. Its aim is to honour his legacy, encourage his rediscovery and promote his important musical contributions. Since 2021 the Fund has been based in Italy in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda, a cradle of artists and poets. Since 2022 it has been a Third Sector Entity, a Voluntary Organisation registered with RUNTS (National Registry of the Third Sector).

The historical collection consists largely of scores, librettos, documents, everyday objects, coins, medals, engravings, biographies, letters and autographs of the great 18th century composer Niccolò Piccinni and his grandson Louis Alexandre.
Over the course of time, donations from benefactors have been added to the collection, including valuable printed editions of the musician’s works and full scores, but in particular, reductions for voice and piano, biographical volumes, recordings and librettos of Piccinni operas performed in the 20th century.

From its foundation to the present day, the Fund has promoted the organisation of musical events, an international festival, meetings with the public and charity evenings aimed at supporting the educational path and career development of young professionals in the performing arts sector, mainly in the opera-symphony field, in collaboration with public and private institutions in Italy and abroad. Over a hundred scholarships have been awarded to young talents since 1961.

For as many as 42 editions, the Fondo has awarded the prestigious Piccinni Prize – For excellence in the performing arts, during a gala evening, to a name of excellence on the musical, operatic or theatrical scene, who has distinguished himself or herself at an international level and who sets an example for future generations.

Since 2023 the Fund has been organising on the shores of Lake Garda the Garda Festival – Lake Garda International Music and Dance Festival, a summer cultural event dedicated to great classical, opera, symphonic and chamber music, with a repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary, and to the art of choreography, from classical ballet to its various stylistic contaminations.