Piccinni Prize
Excellence since 1967
Now in its 42nd year, the Piccinni Prize for excellence in the performing arts, is a prestigious award established by the Niccolò Piccinni Fund in 1967 at the behest of Vittorio Piccinni, a descendant of the well-known composer. The Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding figure in the field of performing arts who is able to inspire new generations with their creativity and professionalism.
The Prize is dedicated to Niccolò Piccinni, not only for his standing as a great composer, but also in memory of his commitment as a promoter of talent in the musical, literary and theatrical world throughout the 18th century.
Illustrious prize-winners include Carlo Bergonzi, Sylvano Bussotti, Franco Corelli, Leyla Gencer, Nicolaj Ghiaurov, Christa Ludwig, Giovanni Martinelli, Mady Mesplé, Leo Nucci, Georges Prêtre, Renzo Rossellini, Joan Sutherland, Uto Ughi and Franco Zeffirelli. The award is presented during a gala evening by the Comité d’Honneur, which comprises the President and members of the Niccolò Piccinni Fund, winners of past editions and Piccinni Ambassadors from around the world – distinguished artists, musicologists and institutional figures.
After a hiatus of about twenty years, in 2022 President Maximilien Seren-Piccinni chose to revive the Prize and since 2023 it has been officially awarded as part of the Garda Festival.
PICCINNIAN AMBASSADORS
The Piccinnian Ambassadors embody the high standards of contemporary cultural diplomacy, bringing together under a single umbrella artists, musicologists and influential institutional figures of global standing, officially appointed by the Niccolò Piccinni Fund. This international network acts as a form of widespread patronage, whose mission is to safeguard the beauty and value of the performing arts on a global scale. Its members are the official custodians of the artistic legacy left by the famous composer, ensuring that his philosophy and spirit continue to inspire the world.
Ambassadors
