News / Media
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…

Find out MoreChemical reaction on show

The magic of South Island

Keep Up With The Play Part 2. The magic of South Island Photography Ioana Cristina Goicea. Aren’t we are lucky that we can share some of the Winners’ tour stories with you that happened last week? A much as Ioana and Andrey are having fun seeing the scenery of the South Island, our Romanian-Russian duo is passionately devoted to their main calling - inspiring the audiences by playing brilliant concerts around the country. It requires a lot of…

Find out MoreThe magic of South Island
The first week of the Winners’ tour 2018

The first week of the Winners’ tour 2018

Keep Up With The Play Part 1. The first week of the Winners' tour 2018. Photography Sheena Haywood, Anne Rodda, Andrey Gugnin. The first prize winner of Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2017 Ioana Cristina Goicea, and the winner of the 2016 Sydney International Piano Competition, Andrey Gugnin, met for the first time in the Sydney International Airport last Wednesday. They caught the same flight over the Tasman to land in magnificent Queenstown - one of the dreamy…

Find out MoreThe first week of the Winners’ tour 2018
Winning violinist returns to New Zealand

Winning violinist returns to New Zealand

NZ Herald Article - 26 September 2018 When Ioana Cristina Goicea picks up her phone she's in the United States, and at the midpoint of the Indianapolis International Violin Competition, one of America's most prestigious music prizes. Even so, this is Goicea's fourth interview of the day. It's the price a young artist on the rise must pay and a portent of what's to come if her career continues its current trajectory. Since winning the 2017 Michael Hill…

Find out MoreWinning violinist returns to New Zealand

Keep Up With The Play

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. We’ve had a marathon of emotion, beginning in Queenstown, with sixteen extraordinary young musicians sharing their passion and pathos, charm and confidence, vigour and vivacity.     Announced tonight at the Auckland Town Hall, Goicea receives NZ$40,000, a recording contract with the Atoll label, an intensive performance tour across New Zealand and Australia in 2018, a Michael Hill Spirits Bay pendant designed by Christine, Lady Hill, and a personalised professional development…

Find out MoreKeep Up With The Play
Applications Open for 2019

Applications Open for 2019

Media release For immediate release APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2019 MICHAEL HILL INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION New Zealand’s most prestigious international music competition returns - 31 May to 8 June 2019 A young Michael Hill had big dreams of being a concert violinist. Instead, he was encouraged into the family jewellery business by his father and uncle, and the rest is history. In 2001, Sir Michael decided he wanted to offer young violinists across the world the chance to do what…

Find out MoreApplications Open for 2019

Adam Chamber Music Festival

Presto Change-oh!  Nikki Chooi (2013 winner) is stepping in to replace Sergey Malov (2011 winner) in the Adam Chamber Music Festival.  This came about when Sergey shared the wonderful news that he and his wife were expecting their first child the first week of February.  Visit the Adam Chamber Music Festival website www.music.org.nz

Find out MoreAdam Chamber Music Festival
Queenstown NZ

Queenstown NZ

Feel inspired by Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, discovery and rejuvenation. You’ll find everything you need to plan your next trip to Queenstown, from accommodation options to the endless array of activities and attractions, as well as a full calendar of events.

Find out MoreQueenstown NZ