From the 2nd to the 25th of March I was in Lamporecchio, Italy, where I was invited to sit as Chairman of the International Jury for this high level competition.  The competition was held at the famous Villa Rospigliosi, one-time summer residence of Cardinal Rospigliosi, who later was to become Pope.  About 40 candidates from all over Europe and Japan competed for the various prestigious categories, which, amongst others , included flute, guitar piano, and chamber groups.