This morning began with school visits. Introducing local kids to classical music, inspiring and stimulating kids to continue or pick up their own instrument.  Young artists April and Stefenie visited St Joseph’s Primary School, Shuan, Hazuki and Cecile went to Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau and composer Lucy Mulgan engaged with kids at the Liger Academy.  Stefenie introduced the kids to the clarinet, playing the ‘Peppa Pig’ theme song, which was met with much enthusiasm as they all…

And the week is underway!  Beginning with community workshops and young artist rehearsals, our professional and emerging artists have brought the Queenstown Memorial Centre to life with their beautiful sounds.  Our musicians began their day with rehearsals for their individual recitals before a professional development session hosted by professional artist Bridget Douglas. Coming together for the afternoon the young artists began rehearsing for their Young Artist Chamber Concert on Sunday with guidance from professional artists Robin Wilson, Andrew…

Our professional and emerging artists have touched down in Queenstown! Festival Director, Anne Rodda warmly welcomed everyone involved, compensating for a classic Queenstown southerly. Musicians, host families, sponsors and staff got the chance to settle in and meet each other before a jam-packed week of music. The excitement is growing as our musicians prepare to truly bring the hills alive with music.  Tomorrow kicks off the week with community workshops hosted by world-class professional artists. Join us this…

This year we have a dozen extremely talented emerging artists joining us for the festival. These young artists aged 18 to 28 have made waves both here in New Zealand and overseas. Although covid has placed some restrictions on them…. It means we are lucky enough to have them perform and engage with the community here in Queenstown! Most recently five of our young artists took part in the National String Comp etition and Lewis Eady National Piano…