In the run-up to the Whakatipu Music Festival, we’ve rounded up the best answers from our Artist Interviews. Hear from our Professional Artists and Young Artists as they talk about stage fright, classical music today, and 2020’s silver linings…   Interviewees: Cecile McNeill, viola Anna Leese, soprano Jonathan Cohen, clarinet Will King, baritone Noelle Dannenbring, piano KiHei Lee, violin Stephen De Pledge, piano Somi Kim (NZTrio), piano   What excites you most about Queenstown? Scenery Snow  Real winter…

Which festival performance are you most looking forward to and why? Eleanor Denston: I am looking forward to seeing the Community Showcase on Sunday at 9.30am. With performances by Kinga Krupa’s music students, I’m looking forward to being blown away by their young talents. Here are musicians who not only play regular concerts, they run the show as well! Encouraging leadership at an early age helps to empower our children to become the leaders of tomorrow. Through self-directed…

Get to know two of our Young Artists, Dominic Lee (cello) and Tony Yan Tong Chen (piano), as they answer our burning questions!   Pictured: Tony Yan Tong Chen   What excites you most about Queenstown? Dominic Lee: Queenstown is quite possibly my favourite city in the whole world! So having a chance to create music there will truly be special. Apart from that, I am looking forward to Fergburger and Patagonia! Do you ever get stage fright?…