A tribute to Sir Michael Hill KNZM (1938-2025)

On 29 July 2025, New Zealand lost one of her favourite sons and the international violin community lost one of its greatest champions. Competition founder Sir Michael died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family including his wife of 60 years, Christine, Lady Hill. Not only did Sir Michael lend his name to one of the world’s most respected major violin contests and an iconic event on the New Zealand landscape, he inspired generations of international violinists that all…

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Video audition tips from the experts

"The audition tape must be as perfect as a commercial one but as spontaneous and inspired as a concert performance." This sage piece of advice has been offered by Boris Garlitsky, Professor of Violin at the Paris Conservatoire, in a piece by our friends and long-time partner, The Violin Channel who asked a line-up of esteemed international pedagogues about the common mistakes students make with competition audition videos. Need some advice on recording your video audition? Have a…

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