Premio Tenco 2026 — Italy’s Most Prestigious Singer-Songwriter Award in Sanremo

The Premio Tenco 2026 takes place on October 24, 2026 at Sanremo’s iconic Teatro Ariston — the same stage that hosts the legendary Festival di Sanremo each February. Established in 1974 and named after the great Italian singer-songwriter Luigi Tenco, this award represents the highest honour in Italian cantautorato (songwriting), recognising artists who have made outstanding contributions to the art of the song.

The Rassegna della Canzone d’Autore

The Premio Tenco is the culminating night of the Rassegna della Canzone d’Autore (Songwriting Review), a multi-day festival curated by the Club Tenco. In the days leading up to the awards, Sanremo’s Teatro Ariston and surrounding venues host concerts, panel discussions, masterclasses, and intimate acoustic sets by both established masters and emerging voices of Italian music. Past recipients include Fabrizio De André, Francesco Guccini, Paolo Conte, Ivano Fossati, and Franco Battiato — a roll call of Italy’s most revered musical poets.

The Awards

Each year, the Targa Tenco is awarded in several categories: Best Album, Best Debut Album, Best Song, Best Performer, and Best Album in Dialect. A Lifetime Achievement Award (Premio Tenco alla Carriera) honours a living legend whose body of work has shaped Italian music. The ceremony features live performances by the award winners — often rare, stripped-back renditions that make the evening unforgettable for music lovers.

Why Sanremo?

Sanremo is not just the “City of Flowers” — it’s Italy’s undisputed capital of song. While the Festival di Sanremo in February captures the nation’s attention with pop spectacle, the Premio Tenco in October is its quieter, more reflective cousin: an insider’s celebration of craft and authenticity. Visiting Sanremo in autumn also means enjoying the mild Riviera dei Fiori climate without summer crowds, strolling the belle-époque boulevards, and exploring the town’s elegant casino and Liberty-style architecture.

Plan Your Visit

• Where: Teatro Ariston, Via Giacomo Matteotti 1, in the heart of Sanremo.
• When: Award ceremony October 24, 2026 from 20:30. Side events typically begin 2-3 days prior — check premiotenco.it for the full programme.
• Getting there: Sanremo is about 25 minutes by train from Imperia and 1.5 hours from Genoa. The train station is a 15-minute walk from Teatro Ariston.
• Where to stay: Sanremo offers everything from grand seafront hotels to charming B&Bs. For accommodation ideas across the Riviera, see our where to stay in Liguria guide.

Make a trip of it: pair the Premio Tenco with a visit to the Ligurian Riviera, explore the best things to do in Liguria, or enjoy the region’s celebrated food and wine scene.