Fondazione Arnaldo Rancati - Prize "Arnaldo Rancati"

Prize "Arnaldo Rancati"

You will receive a one-off prize of 3,000 EUR if you complete your studies at the Milan Conservatoire with top marks. The money comes from the Fondazione ‘Arnaldo Rancati’, a foundation established through a 1950 bequest to honour the Conservatoire’s top graduates. The City of Milan supports the prize. There are two categories: one for instrumentalists and singers (piano, violin, cello, viola, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, chamber singing, chamber music, percussion, saxophone, guitar, harp and mandolin) and one for composers. If you win, you will perform at a public awards concert, which is a compulsory part of the prize.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You graduate from the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music in Milan.
• Your results: You will be awarded your diploma with the highest mark and the distinction (110/110 ‘e lode’ for a first- or second-cycle academic diploma, or 10/10 ‘e lode’ for a diploma under the old system).
• Field: You are taking a course in an instrument, singing or composition from the Conservatoire’s programme.
• Nationality: You are an Italian citizen.
• Where you live: You live in Milan and are registered there.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email to the Conservatoire. Instrumentalists and singers must select their own programme, lasting up to 40 minutes, and perform before a panel of Conservatoire lecturers appointed by the Director. Composers must submit three works, at least one of which must be for orchestra. The registration deadline is in the spring; for compositions, the deadline is 15 May.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria for this prize are very strict. You must be an Italian citizen, live in Milan, be studying at this very conservatoire, and graduate with top marks and honours. As a result, only a small group of graduates are eligible each year, so competition is limited. If you achieve this top mark and meet the residence requirement, your prospects are really good, even though the jury may decide not to award every prize.