Three competitors have been selected by the judges to perform in thrilling Grand Final in Auckland after a spectacular chamber music round

Wednesday and Thursday evening saw the six semi-finalists battle it out in what is considered the Competition’s most illuminating stage – the chamber music round. Each competitor performed a piano quintet with eminent NZ musicians violinist Amalia Hall (NZTrio), cellist Matthias Balzat (NZTrio), pianist Jian Liu (NZTrio), and violist Robert Ashworth (Auckland Philharmonia).

The three finalists, in their Grand Final performance order, are:

Tianyou Ma (New York)
Beatrice Colombis (Sydney/Berlin)
Jakow Pavlenko (Berlin)

The international panel of judges said, “Over the last seven days and nights, we have heard 38 wonderful performances by our 16 quarter and 6 semi-finalists.   

“The playing standards in this 25th anniversary competition are incredibly high, and all competitors should be proud of the beautiful and captivating music they have shared with us.  We admire and are grateful to them all.

 “Tonight we have chosen three outstanding players for the final concerto performance round on Saturday.  It will be another thrilling night to conclude this feast of music making.”

The Grand Final takes place at Auckland Town Hall’s Great Hall on Saturday 6 June at 7:30pm. Audiences experience technical brilliance, emotional drama through their unforgettable breathtaking performances before the judges decide, at the end the night, who will be crowned the 2026 Winner. Tickets are still available,  please see below, and the livestream will be on www.violincompetition.co.nz.

Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026 Grand Final
Saturday 6 June
Auckland Town Hall
Tickets are here