About

The Franco Buitoni Award was created in memory of Franco Buitoni (1934-2016) who founded the Trust with Ilaria Borletti Buitoni in 2003. The £20,000 award, made every two years, is intended for Italian artists who promote and encourage chamber music at home and abroad. Recipients are personally chosen by Ilaria Borletti Buitoni after consultation with other BBT Trustees and Artistic Committee members.

Ilaria, and some of Franco’s friends including Mitsuko Uchida, Jonathan Biss and Andrew Starling, reflect on his lifelong love of chamber music and the bonds he formed with so many musicians, both in his role as Chair of Amici della Musica di Perugia for over three decades and through forming the Trust. His legacy continues with this special award in his name.