Executive Director, Anne Rodda, has recently returned to Auckland after representing the Michael Hill International Violin Competition at the World Federation of International Music Competitions General Assembly. This year’s conference was hosted by the Toscanini Competition in Parma, Italy.

The WFIMC is a global network of internationally recognised competitions dedicated to identifying the most promising young talents in music.

It provides a forum for 110 member’s dialogue and exchanges, focusing on artistic excellence, integrity and fairness, and guidelines.

Membership in the WFIMC requires meeting the highest standard for eligibility. The Michael Hill is the only New Zealand member and sits alongside the Sydney Int’l Piano Competition and the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition to represent Australasia on the world stage.

Attending this year’s assembly and its associated conference and Marketing Forum, provided a valuable opportunity for Anne to strengthen international ties.

“It was wonderful to reconnect with peers,” said Anne.

“It can feel like we are quite isolated from the rest of the world down here at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, but the Assembly confirmed to me that we are, indeed, a valued part of a global industry all striving to foster and nurture incredible talent in a challenging environment.

The Michael Hill approach is known and valued and we are better when we can draw upon the collective wisdom and experiences of our colleagues across the planet.”