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 taking inspiration from an 1823 commemorative effigy designed by Armand Auguste Caqué, also known as Caqué F., depicting Niccolò Piccinni alongside his name in Latin.

Since 2023, the Piccinni Prize has been officially awarded as part of the Garda Festival.