Muscat – The esteemed International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini" has appointed H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia, the Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman, as the Paganini Ambassador for 2025. This announcement was made by Giovanni Panebianco, President of "Premio Paganini," during a formal ceremony attended by the Guest of Honor, H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Riyami, Chief of the Cultural Cooperations Department at the Foreign Ministry, along with diplomats and members of both the Omani and Italian communities.
Established in 1954, the "Premio Paganini" is recognized as one of the leading violin competitions globally, aimed at discovering and promoting emerging violin talents while celebrating the legacy of Niccolò Paganini. Over the years, the competition has served as a springboard for many internationally celebrated artists, such as Salvatore Accardo, Gidon Kremer, Leonidas Kavakos, and Sayaka Shoji.
The selection of H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia as Paganini Ambassador underscores his dedication to enhancing cultural diplomacy and reinforcing Italy’s rich musical heritage on a global scale. Throughout his diplomatic tenure, Ambassador D’Elia has been a strong advocate for Italian arts, music, and traditions, acknowledging their significance in fostering connections between countries. His appointment is in line with the renewed vision of "Premio Paganini" to engage with international audiences, especially young musicians, while strengthening the competition’s relationships with cultural institutions around the world.
Ambassador D’Elia expressed his appreciation by stating, "I am deeply honored to be appointed as the Paganini Ambassador for 2025. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to foster robust cultural collaboration between Italy and Oman, particularly in the realm of music. I extend my gratitude to the Royal Opera House Muscat for its enriching program, which features a masterclass by Simon Zhu in partnership with pianist Gile Bae, open to violin students, a discussion on the Paganini Prize led by its President, and an Emerging Talents evening to honor the Paganini Competition with the two promising figures in classical music, Simon Zhu and Gile Bae." He further remarked, "I eagerly anticipate supporting the ‘Premio Paganini’ in its endeavor to cultivate talent and celebrate the universal language of music."
The title of Paganini Ambassador is conferred upon notable individuals who exemplify the competition’s principles and enhance the global appreciation of classical music and Italian cultural heritage. H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia’s selection underscores the lasting cultural connections between the Italian Republic and the Sultanate of Oman, emphasizing music as a vital medium for international dialogue and artistic exchange.
