An International Success
A truly special chapter of the project “Paganini for Everyone” unfolded in Muscat (Oman) during the winter of 2025, as part of an initiative conceived to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Premio Paganini and to bring the music of Niccolò Paganini and the great tradition of Italian lutherie before an international audience.
The event was hosted by the prestigious Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) as part of their Emerging Talents programme, dedicated to the discovery of musical talents and the promotion of cultural exchange.
Muscat: Workshops, Talks, and a Grand Concert
During the project, a series of public events took place, including:
- Talks and conferences dedicated to the figure of Paganini and the history of his instruments.
- Educational workshops on Italian lutherie and historic instruments, with Alberto Giordano involved as a lecturer and curator of the Cannone Guarneri del Gesù.
- Masterclasses with international artists for young Omani violinists.
The grand evening of 24 February 2025 featured the violinist Simon Zhu, winner of the Premio Paganini 2023, accompanied at the piano by Gile Bae, in a programme that included music by Brahms, Paganini, and Szymanowski.
A Warm Response from the Audience
The audience in Muscat was numerous and highly attentive, reflecting the enthusiasm for a project that successfully combined Italian culture, historic lutherie, and performance of the highest calibre. The event offered the local community a unique opportunity to engage with the history of the violin and the legendary figure of Paganini, enriched by the direct experience of a historic instrument like the Cannone.
A Cultural Bridge Between Italy and Oman
“Paganini for Everyone” was not merely a musical occasion, but also a cultural bridge between Italy and Oman, enhancing music as a universal language and strengthening the international presence of the Premio Paganini and the Genoese violin tradition.
