De Matola Prize

The De Matola Prize for the SAX is born

With the "Giuseppe De Matola" Sax Scholarships up for grabs

My name is Ann Pizzorusso and I created this scholarship in honor of the saxophonist Giuseppe De Matola, my life partner, who passed away on May 16, 2022.

Now, the scholarship has reached its third edition, and to help young saxophonists from all over Italy, the De Matola Prize has been created, which will have as its prize the scholarship, aimed at supporting young saxophonists for their studies, the purchase of instruments and the costs of participating in important competitions.

The competition was created to allow all young saxophonists who love music and have chosen it as a path in life to participate. Without any discrimination of musical genre and in a completely free manner.

The Mission

The spirit of the scholarship is inspired by the story of Giuseppe De Matola. A Neapolitan saxophonist who grew up in poverty in the post-war period, De Matola invested all the little he had in buying a saxophone and dedicated his life to music. He became a famous Italian rock'n'roll saxophonist, demonstrating incredible musical talent and an impeccable ear, capable of playing any piece after just one listen. For De Matola, the saxophone was a salvation and a means of expression in difficult times. The scholarship aims to represent a support for those who consider the saxophone and music as their mission and a source of salvation.

The Announcement

Specific prerequisites:

• Be Italian citizens, or residents in Italy.
• Be no older than 25 years of age by the registration deadline
• Have an ISEE lower than 30,000 euros

- To participate you must download and send the REGISTRATION FORM by 04/30/2025, to the email address indicated.

- Follow all the instructions provided in the NOTICE.

- Perform a musical performance and provide it via video in the manner specified in the announcement.

The Awards

The following prizes will be awarded for each category:

• 1st Place Modern Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €1,000.00
• 2nd Place Modern Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €500.00
• 3rd Place Modern Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €350.00
• Special Mention Modern Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €150.00 each

• 1st Place Classical Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €1,000.00
• 2nd Place Classical Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €500.00
• 3rd Place Classical Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €350.00
• Special Mention Classical Saxophone: "Giuseppe De Matola" Scholarship of €150.00 each