Round I: Schedule Friday 29th May Queenstown Memorial Centre View the livestream here 1.30pm: Insiders Guide Bach: Between the Lines Presenter: Indiana Williamson Bach’s solo violin works are never truly “solo.” Beneath a single line lies a web of voices, implied harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. In this insider’s guide, Indiana Williamson explores how Bach creates the illusion of multiple voices on one instrument. Through a closer look at phrasing, structure and technique, he reveals the challenge of bringing…

Competition Draw At a special event at the home of the Hill family in Queenstown, the official 2026 Competition Draw - and, thus, competition order - was undertaken by Christine, Lady Hill and Executive Director Anne Rodda: 1. Leanne McGowan, Brisbane/Berlin 2. Hyein Koo, Seoul 3. Anaïs Feller, Vancouver, WA 4. Tianyou Ma, New York 5. Yeonoo Jeong, Seoul 6. Dindin Jingyi Wang, Melbourne 7. Beatrice Colombis, Sydney/Berlin 8. Jakow Pavlenko, Berlin 9. Alexey Stychkin, Berlin 10. Maxim…

In the midst of the thrilling quarter-finals of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026, the Queenstown Memorial Hall will be transformed for an evening of rarefied elegance and alluring artistry. This is no ordinary dinner. It’s a harmoniously curated affair in which virtuosity and indulgence intertwine. Guests will enjoy a locally-sourced and sumptuous meal prepared by Artisan Catering with matched Nockies Palette Wines. The night shimmers with intimate and unforgettable performances from internationally celebrated violinists Josef Špaček (2009 Competition…

The 2026 competitors have been announced. We offer them all our sincerest congratulations. The 16 quarter-finalists, who will be flown to New Zealand in May, are below, along with the city they reside in or originate from.  Beatrice Colombis (Sydney/Berlin), Anais Feller (Vancouver/Washington), Emmalena Huning (Perth), Yeonoo Jeong (Seoul), Hyein Koo (Seoul), Hairui Lei (Philadelphia), Tianyou Ma (New York), Leanne McGowan (Brisbane), Jakow Pavlenko (Berlin), Alexey Stychkin (Berlin), Maxim Tzekov (Berlin), Dindin Jingyi Wang (Melbourne), Julia Wang (Vienna),…

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…

Dear Sir Michael and Anne,  I wanted to give you an update on my European study and let you know where the Bergonzi violin is. I have been studying in Austria for 3 months now and it has been amazing. Attached is a photo of my violin class with our teacher Professor Vesna Stankovic, Concertmaster of the Volksoper Wien. I caught up with Ben Morrison recently for a lesson, it was great to see another kiwi over here! He…

"I am thrilled to announce that my debut album is released. I truly hope that listening to this album will be a source of warmth, comfort, and joy, particularly in these trying times. All of these pieces are very near and dear to me, and I'm very grateful to have the chance to share them with you. COVID-19 has changed our world and brought upon us trials that we have never experienced before. But, in the midst of…