“The Michael Hill is much more than a competition—it is a place where music brings people together and creates memories and friendships that last far beyond the event itself.” – Competitor
One of the greatest privileges of presenting the Michael Hill International Violin Competition is hearing what remains with people long after the final notes have faded.
Over recent weeks we have received messages from competitors, jurors, host families, Fellows, audience members, sponsors, partners and supporters from New Zealand and around the world. While each experience was unique, a remarkable thread connected them all.
Again and again, people spoke not only about the extraordinary standard of music-making, but about the generosity, warmth and sense of belonging they experienced throughout the Competition.
For our international competitors, New Zealand became much more than simply the location of a competition.
“The atmosphere you created was the warmest and most welcoming that I have ever experienced.”
“It allowed me to explore the world not only as a musician, but also as a person.”
For our international jury, the music was naturally unforgettable, but it was the spirit surrounding the performances that left an equally lasting impression.
One juror wrote: “It is so rare and unique to have a competition like this that prioritises warm supportiveness and camaraderie, while still having such a high level and standard of performance.” And another shared “The future is clearly very bright with such talented young musicians”.
Several of our visiting artists reflected that they had not fully appreciated how integral the educational activities were to the ethos of the Competition, adding that they were inspired to see what a strong sense of community the Competition fosters. For our Michael Hill Fellows, the experience extended well beyond music-making. “Pursuing music can be a really lonely process and this helped me so much mentally to know that there are so many passionate young musicians around us.”
The Competition’s impact also resonated strongly with our wider community. An audience member called it “the greatest musical event on the Kiwi calendar, and the only one with full international resonance.” Another supporter described it as “the right kind of publicity for New Zealand.”
One host family wrote: What you have created is far more than a competition – it is a wonderful celebration of music, friendship, and cultural exchange. Another described hosting as truly a special opportunity, sharing that conversations around the dinner table had become treasured family memories and that plans were already being made to meet up with their violinist again overseas.
“This anniversary edition of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition has demonstrated how a competition can today effectively position itself within both local and international cultural life, whilst offering participating artists a truly inspiring and formative experience. Ideally, a competition is always more than just a competition. This is particularly true of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
“Long live the Michael Hill International Violin Competition!” Peter Paul Kainrath, President World Federation of International Music Competitions
