Keep up with the play
Classical review: APO shows power and brilliance by William Dart / NZ Herald

Classical review: APO shows power and brilliance by William Dart / NZ Herald

Photography Mikel Hoyle Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's Power & Brilliance concert fulfilled the promises of its title with two major 20th century masterpieces, one featuring the winner of last year's Michael Hill International Violin Competition. True, it was unfortunate that the opening overture, from Borodin's Prince Igor, had been played by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra only three weeks ago. However, despite a few moments of unsettled ensemble, conductor Alan Buribayev fashioned a zesty launch pad out of it.…

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Canadian Timothy Chooi Awarded 1st Prize at Hannover’s Joseph Joachim Competition

Canadian Timothy Chooi Awarded 1st Prize at Hannover’s Joseph Joachim Competition

Another Michael Hill laureate wins a top prize.  Canadian Timothy Chooi (our 2015 3rd prize winner and brother of Nikki, our 2013 1st prize winner) has just won top honours at the Joachim International Violin Competition in Hannover. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Ida Kavafian, and current post graduate student of Catherine Cho at The Juilliard School, Timothy is a former major prize winner at the Schadt and Michael Hill International Violin Competitions…

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What girl wants, what girl needs…

Keep Up With The Play Part 5. What girl wants, what girl needs... As you might know our Russian-Romanian duo had turned into a female solo straight after Andrey Gugnin went back to Russia last week. His departure was a time for bittersweet emotions and goodbyes, but, who knows when those two meet again and inspire the audiences with their fantastic combined artistry? Winners’ Tour 2018, as a part of The Michael Hill International Violin Competition, was definitely…

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When the tour approaches its end, another opportunity comes along…

When the tour approaches its end, another opportunity comes along…

Keep Up With The Play Part 4. When the tour approaches its end, another opportunity comes along... Photography by Andrey Gugnin  and Anne Rodda Last time you checked what our duo was up to, Ioana and Andrey were enjoying themselves on both sides of the Tasman -  Sydney, Melbourne, and Whangarei. Feel free to scroll through their memories from that touring moment by clicking here. Since then our musicians moved to the lower part of the North Island to enjoy…

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Richard Lin 1st prize in Indianapolis.

Richard Lin 1st prize in Indianapolis.

Our heartfelt congratulations to Richard Lin - our 2011 2nd prize winner. This is a major achievement and we couldn't be happier. Also big hip hip hoorahs to Luke Hsu (our 2017 2nd prizewinner) for placing 3rd and Ioana Cristina Goicea (our 2017 winner) for her 5th prize at the 10th Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis – in Indianapolis, United States. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the The Juilliard School, where he studied…

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Tour adventures across the Tasman

Tour adventures across the Tasman

Keep Up With The Play Part 3. Tour adventures across the Tasman Photography by Andrey Gugnin  and Anne Rodda Do you remember how the Winners’ Tour started? It felt like yesterday when Ioana and Andrey met for the first time in the Sydney International Airport. Early last week they flew back to Sydney thanks to performances offered to them by Musica Viva Australia. Ioana and Andrey performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre and at The Independent Theatre in Sydney. https://www.instagram.com/p/BoaPq1XnbSQ/…

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Chemical reaction on show

Chemical reaction on show

Reviewed by Ruth Allison. Nelson Weekly. A palpable chemistry exists between these two young musicians. They are a tour de force. Ioana Cristina Goicea is a gracious amazon and an electric presence on the stage with her beautiful Guadagnini violin. While Andrey Gugnin is very confident, charming and totally in control at his piano. Together they gave us a rich musical experience never to be forgotten. From the spirited opening bars of Schubert’s Rondo Brillant to the lyrical…

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