Every three years, Queenstown hosts the Michael Hill International Violin Competition’s thrilling quarter-finals. 16 extraordinary young violinists aged 18 to 26 are flown to Aotearoa New Zealand from across the globe to showcase their virtuosity and artistry.

The quarter-finals lift the roof off Queenstown Memorial Centre as virtuosic brilliance meets emotional depth through 32 extraordinary performances across four days. With pianists Sarah Watkins and Paige Roberts Molloy accompanying the artists for solo works and a brand new commission by New Zealand composer Salina Fisher, it is a rare opportunity to witness the future stars of classical music the moment their careers are launched.

Expect drama, passion and breath-taking violin as the judges decide which six will progress to the semi-finals in Auckland.

When the Competition moves into Auckland Town Hall, it goes next-level: the thrilling semi-finals and Grand Final are upon us.

From the original 16 competitors, the technical, ensemble and leadership skills of the six semi-finalists are on display as they perform dramatic piano quintets with eminent New Zealand musicians. In 2026, the competitors will be joined by NZTrio violinist Amalia Hall, cellist Matthias Balzat and pianist Jian Liu, and violist Robert Ashworth (Auckland Philharmonia) to compete in what is considered the Competition’s most difficult round – chamber music.

The pinnacle of one of the world’s most prestigious violin competitions, our coveted Grand Final, takes place at the Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 6 June with each finalist performing a concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia under the baton of Alan Buribayev.

The Auckland String Sessions, based at Symphonia Music in Freeman’s Bay, will feature masterclasses, workshops, schools’ visits, and a side-by-side ensemble culminating in a Gala Showcase on the afternoon of Saturday 6 June, ahead of the Grand Final at the Auckland Town Hall.

Members of the international jury and competitors will combine with New Zealand talent in a celebration of the violin.

A detailed programme will be available in early March, including how to register to attend these free events.

The inaugural Christchurch String Sessions celebrate the violin in concert, in classes and in the community. It is a week-long ‘mini festival’ of events and activities presented by the Competition and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in association with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music New Zealand, and Christopher’s Classics –The Piano.

Competition jury members including award-winning violin virtuosi James Ehnes (Canada), Josef Špaček (Czech Republic) and Edward Dusinberre (UK/USA) appear alongside rising stars of the future.

Highlighted events are outlined below, with a more detailed programme available in early March, including details on how to attend the free events.