The 2024 National String Competition reached a thrilling conclusion on 16 December, after three days of exceptional performances by New Zealand’s finest emerging string musicians.

The competition, presented by the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, was held alongside the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition, showcasing the incredible diversity of musical talent in New Zealand.

First Prize went to 14-year-old violinist Hayden Chiu from Auckland Grammar. Hayden, a student of Stephen Larsen and Professor Robin Wilson, won $5,000 (donated by the Becroft Foundation), a recital at the Lewis Eady Steinway Showroom, and a performance opportunity with the Auckland Philharmonia.

Second Prize was awarded to Sarah Lee, also from Auckland, and Third Prize went to cellist Ryan Yeh, who received $1,000 from Trinity College London. Hyun Jae Lee won the Best Performance of a Classical Sonata prize of $1000, donated by the Auckland Branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers, and Hayden Chiu also claimed the Best Performance of a New Zealand Work, with $500 donated by SOUNZ.

A huge thank for the generous support of our sponsors and supporters: The Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, Michael Hill International, Craigs Investment Partners, Chiron Group NZ, Nockie’s Palette, IRMTNZ – Auckland Branch, SOUNZ, Trinity College London, The University of Auckland School of Music, and RNZ Concert.

A special thanks to the adjudicators, all of the talented semi-finalists and participants, as well as the dedicated audiences who attended this incredible weekend of music. We also wish to express our deepest gratitude to the artists, their families, and the many supporters who made this year’s competition such a success.

We look forward to continuing this tradition of fostering musical talent and celebrating classical music in Aotearoa New Zealand for years to come.