Auckland, New zealand
Beautiful music in the most beautiful place on earth…
Audiences across Aotearoa, New Zealand, welcome the return of the triennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Sixteen outstanding young violinists, selected by audition, travel to Queenstown and Auckland where they are wholeheartedly embraced by local audiences who journey with them through the highs and lows that come with a competition of this calibre.
The Michael Hill remains a favourite on the competition circuit, not just for its prestigious prize package, esteemed judging panel and career-launching opportunities, but also for the warmth and heart that greets every competitor from the moment they touch down in Aotearoa. For the rest of their careers, they are connected to this beautiful country at the heart of the South Pacific.
Applications open Monday 1 September!
Applications to be part of one of the global violin events of the year open at 9am Monday 1 September NZST.
The prize package worth NZD$100,000 is motivating but, as all our past laureates will confirm, it’s the unique “Michael Hill” competition and New Zealand experience that have been career- and life-transformative.
30 May to 6 June 2026 in Queenstown and Auckland (arriving in New Zealand 25 May).
Open to violinists from across the world, aged 18 to 26.
Airfares, accommodation and career development opportunities offered to every quarter-finalist.
5pm, Thursday 20 November NZ time (NZDT)
Audition requirements:
- Completed application form
- Video recordings of specific audition repertoire
- Biography in English
- High-res photograph suitable for promotional purposes and showing both eyes of the applicant
- 1 letter of support from industry professional
- US$150 non-refundable
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is proud to work with the Auckland Philharmonia as its exclusive partner orchestra.
The World’s Most Exciting Violin Talent in the World’s Most Unique Location.
Latest News
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 MICHAEL HILL INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION OPEN 1 SEPTEMBER NZST New Zealand’s lauded global music competition celebrates 25 years in 2026 Sixteen of the world’s best 18 to 26-year-old violinists will compete in Queenstown and Auckland for a NZ$100,000 prize pool New Zealand’s globally-regarded Michael Hill International Violin Competition, generously supported by the…
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The international violin community has lost one of its greatest champions. Today, our founder, Sir Michael Hill, died peacefully at his home in Arrowtown, New Zealand. He was surrounded by his family including his wife of 60 years, Christine, Lady Hill.
Not only did Sir Michael lend his name to our iconic event, he inspired generations of international violinists who all know they are now members of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition whānau (family).
Michael dreamed of being a concert violinist in his youth, but his family steered him into the jewellery trade and he instead became a household name with Michael Hill stores across New Zealand, Australia and Canada. He was a true artist with a keen eye for aesthetics and beauty, and an uncompromising standard of excellence. A committed amateur violinist, he practiced solo Bach every day his schedule allowed – constantly striving for improvement from which he derived enormous satisfaction.
Michael’s enthusiasm for music was infectious, yet his loss will be felt as much for the strong and practical advice he infused in hundreds of musicians by candidly sharing his own life lessons regarding the importance of goal setting, resilience, and the balance of being laser-focused yet not sweating the small stuff. He taught us to dream big, set a long-term goal, and work very hard with imagination and open heartedness towards that goal every day.
In this video - "To Sir Michael, in loving memory" - Bach`s Chaconne is played by all 11 winners of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition - Joseph Lin, Natalia Lomeiko, Ning Feng, Bella Hristova, Josef Špaček, Sergey Malov, Nikki Chooi, Suyeon Kang, Ioana Cristina Goicea, Anna Do Gyung Im and Yeyeong Jin.
Bach`s Chaconne in D minor, the final movement of Johann Sebastian Bach`s Partita No. 2 for solo violin, is a monumental and emotionally profound piece, often interpreted as a meditation on grief and loss.
The winners created this video as a tribute to Sir Michael who played a significant role in their lives and careers. It is a remarkable coming-together of some of the now most respected violinists in the world.
Jul 29
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
Strings everywhere! 🎻 Yesterday began our ensemble coaching with Stephen and Ioana. Take a close look at what`s going on in the rehearsal room this week!
📸 @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
