International Illica Award

The history of the International Luigi Illica Award 1961-2009
The International Luigi Illica Award was founded in 1961 by musicologist Mario Morini and journalist Cesare Pecorini to remember the librettist and dramatist Luigi Illica in the magnificent medieval town where he was born, honouring the great figures of the world of opera and culture with an award that carries his name.

The Illica Award includes amongst its winners singers like Domingo, Pavarotti, Del Monaco, Di Stefano, Callas, Stella, Tebaldi, Caballè, Kabaivanska, Dessì, Simionato, Barbieri, Cossotto, Bruson, Cappucilli, Raimondi and directors like Visconti, Strehler, Zeffirelli, Pizzi e Faggioni.

In almost half a century of activity the “Golden Book” has admitted only a very restricted number of artists who have given exceptional services to the world of opera: Renata Tebaldi, Magda Olivero, Ferruccio Tagliavini, Gianni Poggi, Giulietta Simionato, Gianni Raimondi and, most recently, Rolando Panerai

The winners