Paganini Guitar Festival

The Paganini Guitar Festival is an international event dedicated to the guitar and inspired by the legacy of Niccolò Paganini. Organized by the Società dei Concerti di Parma, with the artistic direction of Giampaolo Bandini, the Festival celebrates one of the most extraordinary figures in music history.

Although Paganini is universally renowned as a legendary violin virtuoso, he was also an outstanding guitarist. Throughout his life, he composed numerous works for guitar, both solo and in chamber ensembles, leaving a refined and highly expressive repertoire that reveals his deep knowledge of the instrument. The Festival highlights this lesser-known but fundamental aspect of Paganini’s artistic identity, restoring the guitar to its rightful place within his musical legacy.

The event takes place annually in the city of Parma, where Paganini spent significant years of his life and where his remains are preserved. Concerts and activities are hosted in some of the city’s most prestigious venues, including the Casa della Muisca, the Teatro Regio, the Teatro Farnese, Palazzo Ducale, and the Casa del Suono.

Over the years, the Festival has grown into one of the most significant international gatherings dedicated to classical guitar, featuring performances by world-renowned artists, emerging talents, and distinguished teachers. Its program includes dozens of events, such as concerts, competitions, masterclasses, lectures, exhibitions, and special projects designed to support and promote young talents.

By combining tradition, artistic excellence, and education, the Paganini Guitar Festival continues to honor Paganini’s multifaceted genius while fostering the future of the guitar for new generations.