Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition

Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition takes place in Piedicavallo, Italy. It is held every year, usually in May.

Official website

https://www.concorsoperaldobert.it/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Piedicavallo

In the heart of Piedmont's Biellese Alps, the small mountain village of Piedicavallo annually hosts the Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition, drawing classical guitarists to its quiet, scenic setting. This event provides a unique opportunity to combine a high-level musical experience with an escape into the tranquil landscapes of northern Italy, where alpine beauty meets Italian charm. The competition, held in late May, offers an intimate atmosphere for appreciating emerging talent.

Getting there

To reach Piedicavallo, fly into Turin Airport (TRN) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), both offering good international connections. From Turin, the journey to Biella takes about an hour and a half by train, often with a change. From Biella, Piedicavallo is approximately 15 kilometres northwest, deep in the mountains. A rental car is highly recommended for the final leg, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding valleys and reach the village. While local bus services connect Biella to some mountain towns, their frequency can be limited; driving provides the most convenient access to this alpine setting.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Piedicavallo on Omio →

Italy uses Type L/F sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Given Piedicavallo's small size, accommodation within the village itself is limited, likely to a few local guesthouses or family-run establishments. Booking well in advance is essential, especially around the competition dates. Alternatively, consider staying in Biella, a larger town about 15 kilometres away, which offers a wider selection of hotels and bed and breakfasts. From Biella, the scenic drive to Piedicavallo takes about 20-30 minutes, allowing you to commute for the competition while enjoying more amenities in the town.

What you'll hear

The Nilo Peraldo Bert International Competition annually showcases emerging talent in classical guitar, with contestants performing a diverse repertoire from baroque to contemporary works. The quiet mountain setting provides an ideal backdrop for focused listening, with the final rounds offering a compelling showcase of technical mastery and artistic interpretation. Past winners have gone on to build international careers, marking this as an important event on the guitar calendar.

While Piedicavallo itself does not have a specific classical guitar heritage, its location in Piedmont places it within a region rich in Italian musical tradition. Throughout history, Italy has been a cradle of classical music, from opera to chamber works, and the spirit of musical artistry permeates the country. Attending the competition here offers a chance to experience this broader cultural context, where the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of Italian hospitality complement the international musical talent on stage.

The local table

Piedmontese cuisine is renowned for its richness and quality, and even in a small village like Piedicavallo, you can find authentic regional flavours. Look for dishes featuring local cheeses and mountain produce. Specialties of the wider Piedmont region include agnolotti del plin, small pasta parcels often filled with roasted meats, and risotti, particularly those incorporating local mushrooms or Barolo wine. For a hearty meal, consider brasato al Barolo, beef braised in the famous local red wine. Complement your meal with a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco, reflecting the region's esteemed wine production.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Piedicavallo →

While you're there

Beyond the competition, Piedicavallo and its surroundings offer ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Biellese Alps. The village itself is a charming starting point for walks and hikes into the mountain valleys, with fresh alpine air and scenic vistas. A short drive away, the city of Biella provides a larger centre for exploration, with its medieval Piazzo district, accessible by funicular, and the textile industry heritage of its lower town. For a full day trip, Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont, is about an hour's drive away. Here you can visit the Royal Palace of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana housing the National Cinema Museum, and the famous Egyptian Museum, one of the most significant outside Cairo. Piedmont is also a world-renowned wine region; consider a drive through the Langhe and Monferrato hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to visit vineyards and taste local wines, although this is a longer excursion.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Piedicavallo →

More guitar events in Italy: Altamira Gorizia International Guitar Competition · Concorso Città di Fiuggi · Concorso Emilio Pujol · Concorso Fernando Sor · Concorso Internazionale Rovere d'Oro · Concorso Riviera Etrusca

Also in May: Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM) · Heinsberg Guitar Festival and Competition · Jugend musiziert · Printemps de la Guitare · San-in Guitar Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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