Twenty-five events in four centres across 17 days – from concert halls to classrooms – the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026 celebrated 25 years in 2026 with a nationwide celebration of the violin.

At the heart was Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent classical music event and one of the leading violin competitions in the world, in which sixteen outstanding ascending violinists, selected by audition, travelled to Queenstown and Auckland to compete for the top prize. Following eight days of thrilling competition rounds, Berlin-based Australian violinist Beatrice Colombis was crowned the winner.

The Michael Hill remains a favourite on the competition circuit, not just for its prestigious prize package, esteemed judging panel and career-launching opportunities, but also for the warmth and heart that greets every competitor from the moment they touch down in Aotearoa. For the rest of their careers, these artists remain connected to this special place in the South Pacific.