Whilst the spotlight of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition is understandably on the competitors, we present a comprehensive programme designed to raise the awareness of fine music and the standard of musical performance in Aotearoa New Zealand. A nation-wide celebration of the violin.
Inspiring the next generation of talent is a huge part of our kaupapa and opportunities are generously offered for our local violinists to learn directly from the experts, and engage with their international peer group.
Wellington String Session
24 May 2026
5:30pm
Adam Concert Room, co-presented with the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington
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Chamber Music workshop with Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes (Takács Quartet)
Thanks to generous support from Turnovsky Endowment Trust.
Join us for the Competition
All of the String Sessions events are offered to the public at no cost, and this is made possible through the programming and organisational infrastructure of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
We ask teachers, students and their families to show their support and purchase tickets to at least one of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition’s Semi-Final or Grand Final concerts as this is what allows us to continue our work in the community and demonstrates to our String Session participants the height and aspiration of excellence in music making.
Semi-finals (Round III) | 7:30pm 3 June | Auckland Concert Chamber
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Semi-finals (Round III) | 7:30pm 4 June | Auckland Concert Chamber
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Grand Final | 6 June | Auckland Town Hall
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Christchurch String Sessions
21 - 27 May 2026
The inaugural Ōtautahi Christchurch String Sessions, delivered in partnership with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and in association with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and The Piano, invite Ōtautahi’s vibrant music community to immerse itself in a week-long ‘mini festival’ where performance, learning, and collaboration meet.
This is a rare opportunity to experience world-class artistry condensed over a few days – up close, both on stage and behind-the-scenes.
Internationally acclaimed artists that have come to Aotearoa to serve on the Michael Hill illustrious international judging panel – James Ehnes, Josef Špaček and Edward Dusinberre – will perform, teach and mentor alongside New Zealand’s finest musicians and the next generation of rising stars.
Across the week:
- Young musicians learn directly from international masters
- Professionals collaborate across orchestras and ensembles
- Audiences witness artistry at its most immediate and human
- The violin is celebrated in concert, in classes and in the community
- Whether you are a performer, teacher, student, or devoted listener, the Christchurch String Sessions offer a rare chance to be part of something shared, generous, and inspiring.
1.00 – 3:30pm | Schools’ workshops
Competitors and fellows bring the Competition directly into schools and communities, inspiring students across the region.
4.00 – 6:00pm and 6:15 – 8:15pm
CSO Elevate! Young Musicians’ Development Programme workshops
5pm
Ron Ball Studio
Side-by-side Concert
A powerful opening event bringing together CSO and NZSO musicians, competition violinists, and community players under conductors Gemma New and Jonathan Tanner.
Free with registration (limited capacity):
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2pm
Christchurch Town Hall
James Ehnes performs Korngold’s dazzling Violin Concerto in the NZSO Concert ‘Titan’
Visit nzso.co.nz for ticketing information:
NZSO
4–6pm
Ron Ball Studio
NZSO Foundation Masterclass with James Ehnes
An intimate opportunity to observe one of the world’s great violinists at work.
Free with registration:
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7–9pm
Ron Ball Studio
Chamber workshop
Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes (Takács Quartet) explore the art of ensemble playing with four selected groups.
Free with registration:
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7pm
The Piano
Czech Connections Concert
Josef Špaček, Michael Endres, Andrew Joyce and Serenity Thurlow perform a rich programme of Haydn, Janáček, Farr and Dvořák.
Visit thepiano.co.nz for ticketing information:
Book now
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is the lead partner for the Christchurch String Sessions. The Piano is a Venue Partner for Christchurch String Sessions. We thank them for their support.
Auckland String Sessions
3 - 6 June 2026
Following the success of its inaugural year, the Auckland String Sessions invite Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s music community to immerse itself in a dynamic ‘mini festival’ where performance, learning and collaboration meet.
This is a rare opportunity to experience world-class artistry condensed over a few days and up close, both on stage and behind the scenes.
The Auckland String Sessions are more than a series of free events, they are a meeting point for Auckland’s musical ecosystem:
- Students learn directly from international masters
- Teachers engage with leading pedagogues and peers
- Audiences experience artistry at its most immediate
- The violin is celebrated in concert, in classes and in the community
All of the international panel of judges – James Ehnes, Josef Špaček, Geneva Lewis, Edward Dusinberre, Professor Vera Tsu Weiling, Natsuko Yoshimoto and Andrew Beer – teach, mentor and perform alongside New Zealand’s finest musicians and rising young talent.
Schools workshops
Westlake Girls High School, Symphonia Music and Ōtara Music & Arts Centre
Competitors and fellows bring the Competition directly into schools and communities, inspiring students across the region.
Violin Masterclasses
Symphonia Music
Two of our international artist judges lead public masterclasses offering rare insights into elite performance.
10:00am – 12:00pm
Josef Špaček Masterclass
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(Free with registration)
12:30 – 2:30pm
Natsuko Yoshimoto Masterclass
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(Free with registration)
Music Teachers’ Professional Development
Symphonia Music
A day dedicated to supporting Auckland’s strong network of private and school-based music teachers. Our artist judges address chamber music coaching, pedagogy and performance-based practice.
New Zealand luthiers and retailers will be on site sharing information about string instrument making and maintenance.
9:30 – 11:30am
Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes
Chamber Music Class
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(Free with registration)
12:00 – 1:00pm
Professor Vera Tsu Weiling
Pedagogy class addressing teaching methodology. Come early for a coffee in the café because the class starts right at noon.
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(Free with registration)
1:30 – 3:30pm
Professor Vera Tsu Weiling Masterclass
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(Free with registration)
Violins – Tuned Up!
Symphonia Music and Auckland Town Hall
Free with registration
9:00 – 10:00am
Amalia Hall & Matthias Balzat of NZTrio
Workshop for Young Violinists at Symphonia Music
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10:30am – 12:30pm
James Ehnes Masterclass
Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber
4:00 – 5:00pm
Gala Showcase Concert
Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber
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Combining a week of inspiration, learning and collaboration as internationally acclaimed artists and a selection of Auckland’s rising young musicians unite on stage in a vibrant celebration of shared artistry. The hour-long programme features international judges Andrew Beer and Geneva Lewis with NZTrio musicians Amalia Hall and Matthias Balzat, competitors, fellows and dozens of New Zealand’s rising musical talents who will be gracing our stages in years to come.
Repertoire will include the Bach Double Violin Concerto, and colourful virtuoso works by Piazzolla, Paganini and Sarasate for violin-lovers. Come along and celebrate the violin in concert, in classes and in the community.
Concert attendance is free but limited capacity. Registration is required to secure your seat (registration opening soon).
Auckland String Sessions Ensemble
31 May to 6 June
For string players grade five and up, and their teachers – rehearse and perform several specially arranged works in a massed string ensemble programme. Please note, if selected, you are required to attend all rehearsals at Symphonia Music and be available for the afternoon of the Gala Showcase, Saturday 6 June, at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall.
Register your interest by 8 May (note that selected participants are required to attend all rehearsals to perform in the Gala Showcase)
REGISTER HERE
Symphonia Music is the host venue for the Auckland String Sessions and Auckland Live is the Venue Partner for the Gala Showcase on 6 June. We thank them, and our valued partner NZTrio, for their support.
