Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music (Milan/Italy) - Prize "Lina Bodini Mazza"

Prize "Lina Bodini Mazza"

As the winner of first prize in Category B (soloists on keyboard instruments and percussion) of the annual ‘Premio del Conservatorio’, you will win 4,000 EUR. In addition to the cash prize, the award offers you the opportunity to perform on proper stages: a concert during the Conservatoire’s 2026/27 season, a solo concert with an orchestra, and concerts as part of the programmes organised by Milan’s major music societies (Società del Quartetto, Società Umanitaria, Società dei Concerti). The second prize is 2,500 EUR and the third 1,500 EUR. The prize is awarded by the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatoire in Milan.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatoire in Milan for the current academic year.
• Instrument: You play the piano, harpsichord, accordion, organ or a percussion instrument. If you play the organ, your repertoire is from the period after 1750; older repertoire is assessed in a separate category.
• Year of study: Applicants from all year groups and of all ages are welcome to apply, including first- and second-year students.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are enrolled at the conservatoire.
• Programme: You prepare a free-choice recital of 35 to 40 minutes. You cannot play transcriptions of soloist-and-orchestra concertos that are not usual in recital practice.
• Past winners: You are not eligible to enter if you have already won first prize in this category in a previous edition.

How to apply

Please register online by 12 April using the official form. You will need your teacher’s consent. The selection process takes place in several stages: an initial round in the spring, followed by a final in September before an external panel of renowned musicians.

How realistic are your chances?

This competition has strict entry criteria: only enrolled students at the Milan Conservatoire who play keyboard or percussion instruments are eligible to take part, meaning the field of entrants is small and specialised. Up to ten participants reach the final, and the single first prize goes to one of them. It requires a truly strong, well-prepared concert performance. If your playing is up to this standard and you present a solid 35 to 40-minute programme, you stand a real chance.