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News
We sat down with Sarah Watkins and Gracie Francis – our collaborative pianists for the 2024 National String Competition – to talk about what it’s like to work with a large number of young artists with a limited amount of rehearsal time…the challenges, the joys and the myriad of things that both competitor and accompanist…
Media
Sergey Malov, 2011 Michael Hill winner has charmed audiences across Aotearoa following his recent return tour and participation in the Adam Chamber Music Festival. He took some time to talk to Bryan Crump on RNZ Concert during his visit – To listen to their interview – click HERE.
Press
Festival Director, Anne Rodda speaks to The Violin Channel about The Whakatipu Music Festival as an adaptation to the Michael Hill International Violin Competition and the incredible platform the festival offers.
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition has raised the bar for violinists and string players in this country – inspiring our upcoming young players to reach for the stars. It has also been a positive step on the career paths of previous winners, with many now holding prestigious roles in world-class orchestras and enjoying international careers as solo performers.
~ Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
Media Gallery
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Such a treat to have Turn up the Music School perform alongside our next generation of young artists. Here are a collection of photos from NEXT GEN ONE!
Tomorrow we have Kinga Krupa Music students performing for Next Gen Two: in the afternoon, and in the evening a delightful feast of Musical Smorgasbord 🎨
Photos by @sadhbhphotography and @pab.herrero
Apr 19
Yesterday we had two heartwarming events - our open strings class with Ioana, Julian and Turn up the Music School, and a performance at Queenstown Country Club from Ivan and William. Getting to interact with the Tāhuna community is such a treat of this festival! 💜
📷 @sadhbhphotography
Apr 18
Last night two of our artists Esther Oh and Damon Herlihy O`Brien performed surrounded by the innovative art at @starkwhite gallery. It was a great evening with talks from Craigs Investment Partners, Kelly of Starkwhite and festival director Anne. Investing in a future that supports art and music 🎨
📷 @pab.herrero
Apr 17
Yesterday we had Open Piano Class 🎹 with Stephen De Pledge and Bernadette Harvey, and our first Rejoice! rehearsal with the community choir, Dr. Karen Grylls and Elise Bradley. Brains and bodies are being put to work! 🧠
TONIGHT is “Singing In An Ensemble” workshop with Karen Grylls at Te Atamira, 5:30pm
TOMORROW is Open Strings class with Julian Smiles and @ioanacristinagoicea at Te Atamira 5:30pm
Head to our website for more info 🔗 in bio
📸 @pab.herrero
Apr 16
Welcoming two incredible conductors to Whakatipu.
Euan is a New Zealand-born orchestra conductor, chorus master and collaborative pianist. In 2024 he studied at @elderconservatorium where he is now a conductor and pianist. Euan has worked with @the_aso, State Opera South Australia and @adelaidefestival. He is also part of the 2025 Australian Conducting Academy.
“Music is all about collaboration. To be able to perform with terrific players and work with prominent guest artists will be so rewarding.”
Hailing from the deep south, Reuben Brown completed his honours @vicuniwgtn_nzsm. Reuben is the 2025 NZ Assistant Conductor-in-Residence where he will debut with the @aklphil, @christchurchsymphonyorchestra and @dunedinsymphonyorchestra assisting resident and visiting conductors.
"Over the past few months, I’ve been honing my skills with Auckland Philharmonia and I’m eager to put them to good use with this exciting cohort of musicians.”
Read more at Keep Up With the Play. Link in bio.
Apr 9
Alongside performing as our countertenor, Austin Haynes will read their translations of Shakespeare into te reo at Frankton Library on Thursday 17 April at 5:30pm.
Opera singer, poet and te reo Māori scholar Austin Haynes is on a bold mission - to translate all 154 of Shakespeare`s sonnets into te reo Māori!
Join him for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of moving between languages, literary traditions and for a reflection on what te reo Māori can reveal about the Bard.
This is a free event.
Apr 8
