Queenstown Competition Programme
29 May - 1 June 2026
Every three years, Queenstown hosts the Michael Hill International Violin Competition’s thrilling quarter-finals. Sixteen 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.
Queenstown Sessions (Round I & II
1.30pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Insider’s Guide:
Bach: Between the Lines (Indiana Williamson)
Bach’s solo violin works are never truly “solo.” Beneath a single line lies a web of voices, implied harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. In this insider’s guide, Indiana Williamson explores how Bach creates the illusion of multiple voices on one instrument. Through a closer look at phrasing, structure and technique, he reveals the challenge of bringing these hidden lines to life, and what to listen for beyond the surface.
2.00pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 1: Four competitors perform recitals
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7.30pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 2: Four competitors perform recitals
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9.30am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Insider’s Guide:
Up close to the Chasm (Mana Waiariki)
The 2026 MHIVC commissioned composer, Salina Fisher, sits down with Mana to discuss her commissioned work ‘Chasm’ and why the history of the MHIVC commission is integral to the global music community.
10.00am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 3: Four competitors perform recitals
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2.00pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 4: Four competitors perform recitals
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9.30am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Insider’s Guide:
Two Partners in One Story makes a Duo Sonata (Madeleine Xiao & Lorna Zhang)
Between the piano’s orchestral depth and the lyrical voice of the violin, Lorna Zhang explores the shifting roles and interplaying textures within the two throughout the eras. How much can strike from the intimacy in this simple duality? Who stands as the King and who will be Queen?
10.00am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 5: Four competitors perform recitals
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2.00pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 6: Four competitors perform recitals
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9.30am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Insider’s Guide:
Paganini: a Devil or a God? (Archie Lamont-Bowden)
Who was Paganini and what does he represent in the world of violin performance? Archie explores his legendary caprices – how such devilish challenges demand godly technical execution.
10.00am | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 7: Four competitors perform recitals
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2.00pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Quarter-finals – Session 8: Four competitors perform recitals
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5.00pm | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Judges decide
7.00pm (approx.) | Queenstown Memorial Centre
Semi-finalist announcement
Auckland Competition Programme
3 - 6 June 2026
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.
6.30pm | Auckland Town Hall – Concert Chamber
Insider’s Guide:
The Art of Conversation (Madeleine Xiao & Lorna Zhang)
Chamber music is often called a conversation but what happens when the stakes are this high? Madeleine Xiao explores the three piano quintets navigated by the Semi-finalists. What defines a truly compelling performance and who will carry that voice forward to the grand final?
7.30pm | Auckland Town Hall – Concert Chamber
Semi-finals – Session 1: Three semi-finalists perform piano quintets
With violinist Amalia Hall (NZTrio), cellist Matthias Balzat (NZTrio), pianist Jian Liu (NZTrio), and violist Robert Ashworth (Auckland Philharmonia)
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7.30pm | Auckland Town Hall – Concert Chamber
Semi-finals – Session 2: Three semi-finalists perform piano quintets
With violinist Amalia Hall (NZTrio), cellist Matthias Balzat (NZTrio), pianist Jian Liu (NZTrio) and violist Robert Ashworth (Auckland Philharmonia)
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10.00pm (approx.) | Auckland Town Hall – Concert Chamber
Finalist announcement
6.45pm | Auckland Town Hall – Great Hall
Insider’s Guide:
Trial By Orchestra: The Violin Concerto (Esther Oh)
What better proving ground in the classical music leagues, than a professional orchestra operating on its own home turf? The concerto round is a battle arena of gladiatorial proportions, summoning feats of technical brilliance, artistic maturity and sheer stamina to command the stage under the scrutiny of a sold-out concert hall. Esther Oh explores the three works wielded by tonight’s finalists, each of which will answer– in very different ways–the competition’s ultimate question: What Makes a Winner?
7.30pm | Auckland Town Hall – Great Hall
Grand Final – Three finalists perform with Auckland Philharmonia, conducted by Alan Buribayev
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10.10pm (approx.) | Auckland Town Hall – Great Hall
Finalist announcement
Silver Anniversary Gala Dinner & Concert
7.00-10.30pm
Saturday 30 May
Queenstown
In the midst of the thrilling quarter-finals of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026, the Queenstown Memorial Hall will be transformed for an evening of rarefied elegance and alluring artistry.
This is no ordinary dinner. It’s a harmoniously curated affair in which virtuosity and indulgence intertwine.
Guests will enjoy a locally-sourced and sumptuous meal prepared by Artisan Catering with matched Nockies Palette Wines.
The night shimmers with intimate and unforgettable performances from internationally celebrated violinists Josef Špaček (2009 Competition winner) and New Zealand’s own Geneva Lewis, both renowned concert violinists and members of the international panel of judges.
Join us for music that stirs and conversation that sparkles – a night to savour.