Round I (sessions 3 and 4) Queenstown Memorial Centre 9.30am: Insiders Guide: Up close to the Chasm (Mana Waiariki) The 2026 MHIVC commissioned composer, Salina Fisher, sits down with Mana to discuss her commissioned work Chasm and why the history of the MHIVC commission is integral to the global music community. ROUND I – SESSION 3 10:00-10:35am: Alexey Stychkin (Berlin) Pianist: Sarah Watkins JS Bach – Adagio and Fuga Sonata 1 in G minor Paganini – Caprice No…
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),…
New Zealand’s lauded global music competition celebrates 25 years in 2026 Sixteen of the world’s best 18 to 26-year-old violinists will compete in Queenstown and Auckland for a NZ$100,000 prize pool New Zealand’s globally-regarded Michael Hill International Violin Competition, generously supported by the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, returns to Queenstown and Auckland from 29 May to 6 June 2026. 2026 marks 25 years since the late Sir Michael Hill had a vision to create a…
Yeyeong Jenny Jin's winner's album released 19 September 2025 We are excited to partner with Atoll Records in welcoming an exciting new violin album to the music world. 'A Winner's Recital' by 2023 winner Yeyeong Jenny Jin, will be released on 19 September. The album includes Jenny performing Camille Saint-Saëns' Violin Sonata No.1 and Giuseppe Tartini's Devil's Trill Sonata, alongside Gillian Whitehead's Bright Silence, Ysaye Sonata 5, and more. Yeyeong Jenny Jin won first prize at the 2023…
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…
