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We sat down with Sarah Watkins and Gracie Francis – our collaborative pianists for the 2024 National String Competition – to talk about what it’s like to work with a large number of young artists with a limited amount of rehearsal time…the challenges, the joys and the myriad of things that both competitor and accompanist…
Media
Sergey Malov, 2011 Michael Hill winner has charmed audiences across Aotearoa following his recent return tour and participation in the Adam Chamber Music Festival. He took some time to talk to Bryan Crump on RNZ Concert during his visit – To listen to their interview – click HERE.
Press
Festival Director, Anne Rodda speaks to The Violin Channel about The Whakatipu Music Festival as an adaptation to the Michael Hill International Violin Competition and the incredible platform the festival offers.
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition has raised the bar for violinists and string players in this country – inspiring our upcoming young players to reach for the stars. It has also been a positive step on the career paths of previous winners, with many now holding prestigious roles in world-class orchestras and enjoying international careers as solo performers.
~ Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
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CALLING ALL SINGERS! Sing your heart out for the 2025 Whakatipu Music Festival! 🎼
Artistic Director of Choirs Aotearoa – Dr. Karen Grylls is bringing the beauty of choral tradition to Queenstown this April for the Whakatipu Music Festival. Undergo coaching and guidance in a choral setting from Karen Grylls and Elise Bradley leading up to a mass choir performance on Easter Monday 21 April.
Featured songs include The Hallelujah Chorus, O Fortuna, and Ode to Joy. Supported by members of the National Youth Choir, you will perform alongside a live orchestra at the Queenstown Memorial Centre.
The commitment to participate is:
- Tuesday 15 April & Thursday 17 April 7:00 – 9:30pm rehearsal at Te Atamira, Frankton
- Easter Monday 21 April 11:30am – 1:00pm dress rehearsal, and concert beginning at 2:00pm at Queenstown Memorial Centre
There is a participation fee of $25. Music provided. Every performer will receive a complimentary ticket to the event and 50% off all other festival tickets!
For the uber keen – Dr Grylls is also presenting a workshop on ‘Singing in an Ensemble’ Wednesday 16 April 5:30 – 7:00pm at Te Atamira, Frankton. Cost for attendance is $10 each and registrations for attendance are needed.
To register for Rejoice! Community Choir and other workshops or festival information, visit the links in our bio.
Mar 4
Tāhuna/Queenstown’s Whakatipu Music Festival returns this Easter! 🎻
Weaving together New Zealand’s outstanding emerging artists, international luminaries, local performers, with grassroots music initiatives, an exhilarating weekend is ahead.
TICKETS ARE ON ON SALE NOW from eventfinda.
For full programme and information about the artists, head to our website via the link in bio.
Mar 2
We would like to thank our sponsors Craigs Investment Partners for their ongoing support of the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music and the opportunities that this provides to emerging and early career musicians.
This support helped to make possible the 2024 National String Competition.
👏 CONGRATULATIONS once again to First Prize Winner Hayden Chiu!
Image credit Phil Brooks
Dec 18
2024 NATIONAL STRING COMPETITION WINNERS 🏆
Congratulations to violinist HAYDEN CHIU – First Prize winner of the 2024 National String Competition!
Hayden wins $5000, generously donated by the Becroft Foundation, along with a recital at Lewis Eady Steinway Showroom and a performance opportunity with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Our other prize winner are:
Sarah Lee
2nd Prize | $3000
Ryan Yeh
3rd Prize | $1000
Donated by Trinity College London.
Hyun Jae Lee
Best Performance of a Classical Sonata | $1,000
Donated by the Auckland Branch of Institute of Registered Music Teachers.
Hayden Chiu
Best Performance of a New Zealand Work | $500
Donated by SOUNZ
The results of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition are:
Alex Bai
WINNER - 1st Prize | $5,000
Donated by Murray Jacobs
+ Recital at Lewis Eady Steinway Showroom
+ Performance opportunity with the Auckland Philharmonia
Henry Meng
2nd Prize | $3,000
Donated by Sally Evennett in memory of her late husband Derek Evennett
Madeleine Xiao
3rd Prize | $1,000
Donated by Trinity College London
Madeleine Xiao
Best Performance of a Classical Sonata | $1000
Donated by Auckland Branch of Institute of Registered Music Teachers
Lifeng (Steven) Song
Best Performance of a New Zealand Work | $500
Donated by SOUNZ
Dec 16
Congratulations to all of our National String Competition semi-finalists who gave stunning performances over the past two days.
The three players who have been chosen to compete in tomorrow’s Grand Final at the Westlake Girls College Event Centre are (in performance order):
Ryan Yeh, cello, age 13
Sarah Lee, violin, age 20
Hayden Chiu, violin, age 14
They will be joined but the three grand finalists of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition (also in performance order):
Alex Bai
Henry Meng
Madeleine Xiao
Good luck to six Grand Finalists!
They are vying for a prize purse worth $20,000 and performance opportunities with Lewis Eady and the Auckland Philharmonia.
Secure your tickets via the link in our bio.
Dec 15
Day two of the National String Competition semi-finals is underway with so many spectacular performances by our competitors and their wonderful collaborative pianists so far.
Check back at 7:30pm when we will announce the competitors for tomorrow’s Grand Final at Westlake Girls College Event Centre.
Tickets available at via the link in our bio.
Dec 14
Thank you to Giltrap Auckland for hosting the National String Competition draw, where the order was announced for the semi-finals taking place at Auckland University this weekend.
Check our website for the Saturday and Sunday schedule - see our link in bio.
A big thank you to Nockie’s Palette for supplying the fine wines to accompany this auspicious evening. SCHEDULE (Saturday & Sunday)
9:30 - 9:50am: Tal Amoore
9:55 - 10:15am: Ingrid Kosaka
10:20 - 10:40am: Angel Tao
10:45 - 11:05am: Enshean (Sheena) Lin
11:10 - 11:30am: Amy Chen
11:30am
break - 30 mins
12:00 - 12:20pm: Damon Herlihy-O`Brien
12:25 - 12:45pm: Ryan Yeh
12:50 - 1:10pm: Kimberley Yuan
1:15 - 1:35pm: Mana Waiariki
1:40 - 2:00pm: Boudewijn Keenan
2:00pm
break - 30 mins
2:30 - 2:50pm: Rose Light
2:55 - 3:15pm: Lorna Zhang
3:20 - 3:40pm: Sarah Lee
3:45 - 4:05pm: Hyun Jae Lee
4:10 - 4:30pm: Hayden Chiu
Dec 13
