International Jury & Artistic Direction

Meet the jury behind
Aurea Music Prize.

A larger international panel bringing together piano, voice, conducting, composition, ensemble expertise and music-industry strategy.

Explore the Jury Apply Now

Artistic Authority

Leslie Howard presides over a jury designed to evaluate real artistic identity, not only technical execution.

President: Leslie Howard Voice Conducting & Ensembles Artist Development

President of the Jury

Dr. Leslie Howard

Dr. Leslie Howard is internationally revered as one of the most important pianists for the works of Franz Liszt. His monumental complete recording of Liszt’s solo piano music remains one of the most extraordinary projects in recording history and firmly established his place among the defining Liszt interpreters of our time.

A celebrated pianist, composer and scholar, he is closely associated with leading Liszt academies, institutions and artistic circles worldwide. His role as President of the Jury gives Aurea Music Prize a high level of artistic authority, scholarship and international prestige.

President of the JuryPresident of the JuryLiszt InterpreterComposer & Scholar

Vocal Department & International Jury

Laura Ansaldi

Laura Ansaldi is an internationally acclaimed dramatic coloratura soprano and multiple award winner, known for her powerful vocal presence, extensive vocal range and theatrical command. Her work is devoted to bringing opera to a contemporary level through ambitious projects and a direct connection between artist and audience.

With more than 15 years of global stage experience as a soloist in primary roles, she has appeared in major contexts including Opéra Bastille, Carnegie Hall, Teatro alla Scala, Boston Opera House, KKL Luzern, the Vatican, Royal Albert Hall and other international venues. For Aurea Music Prize, she contributes to the vocal area, including opera, classical singing, jazz, chamber, pop, musical and crossover profiles.

Vocal Department & International JuryDramatic Coloratura SopranoVocal DepartmentInternational Soloist

Conducting, Composition & Ensembles

Silvano Frontalini

Silvano Frontalini is an Italian conductor, artistic director and organist. He is recognized for his important role in the rediscovery of unpublished and forgotten musical works, with more than 100 recorded albums, many of them world-premiere recordings.

Born in Ancona in 1948, he trained at the Conservatorio Gioachino Rossini in Pesaro and furthered his conducting studies with Sergiu Celibidache in Trier, absorbing the phenomenological approach to music. He has recorded for Italian and international radio and television organizations and has conducted extensive operatic and symphonic repertoire, with particular attention to rediscovered Italian music. At Aurea Music Prize he brings authority to conducting, composition and ensemble evaluation.

Conducting, Composition & EnsemblesConductor100+ AlbumsRediscovered Repertoire

Artistic Director, Fairfield Piano Institute

Nick De La Pena

Nick De La Pena is an internationally active concert pianist, classical composer and arranger whose work connects the depth of classical tradition with a refined contemporary sensibility. His artistic profile combines performance, education and institutional leadership.

He serves as Artistic Director of the Fairfield Piano Institute in California. His work as a pianist, educator and artistic director gives the Aurea Music Prize jury a strong pedagogical and international perspective, especially for solo instrumentalists and young artists preparing for professional development.

Artistic Director, Fairfield Piano InstituteFairfield Piano InstituteCaliforniaSolo Instrumental Jury

Artistic Director, Aurea Music Prize

Nicolò Giuliano Tuccia

Nicolò Giuliano Tuccia is a concert pianist and cultural entrepreneur working at the intersection of performance, artist development and international music strategy. His artistic and organizational activity focuses on creating transparent, concrete opportunities for musicians.

He is the Artistic Director of Aurea Music Prize and the CEO of VerboSound Music Agency, where he works on booking, communication, artist identity and professional development. Through Aurea and VerboSound, he supports selected artists with a modern, results-oriented approach to visibility and career growth.

Artistic Director, Aurea Music PrizeArtistic Director, AureaCEO, VerboSoundArtist Development

Ready to apply?

Share your artistry with an international jury.

Submit your application to Aurea Music Prize and present your work before a jury combining world-class pianism, vocal authority, conducting experience and professional artist-development vision.

Apply Free See Prizes

Meet the jury behindAurea Music Prize.