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The 2023 Michael Hill Violin Competition has commenced…
James Roberts

The 2023 Michael Hill Violin Competition has commenced…

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition was officially opened this evening, with a warm, intimate gathering of competitors, fellows, judges, host families, sponsors and supporters. Hosted by Sir Michael Hill and Lady Christine Hill, the international guests were formally welcomed with a Powhiri by the Arrowtown Primary School kapahaka group followed by an inspiring speech from competition founder, Sir Michael Hill. Perhaps the most highly anticipated moment of this event is the announcement of the 'draw' for the…

Find out MoreThe 2023 Michael Hill Violin Competition has commenced…
Reflections from 2019 winner Anna Im

Reflections from 2019 winner Anna Im

Anna Im, the current reigning Michael Hill winner took some time out between recording and performing engagements to share some fond memories from her time in New Zealand during the last Michael Hill International Violin Competition in 2019.  Are there any special memories that stand out for you when you recall from your time attending the Michael Hill International Violin Competition? Attending the Michael Hill International Violin Competition was truly a memorable experience. One particular memory that stands…

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Michael Norris discusses collaborative composition piece for 2023 MHIVC
Composing in the modern age

Michael Norris discusses collaborative composition piece for 2023 MHIVC

Ahead of the 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, we spoke to Michael Norris, this year's Composer of the NZ Commissioned Work, about his creation of 'Waipounamu' - an original musical work. The work will be performed live by all 16 quarter-finalists in Queenstown on 4-5 June 2023. The role of the work within the competition is to demonstrate a young artist’s individual interpretive skills and identify a competitor’s capabilities with contemporary repertoire – in the absence of…

Find out MoreMichael Norris discusses collaborative composition piece for 2023 MHIVC
RECORD ENTRIES IN NEW ZEALAND’S ‘VIOLIN OLYMPICS’

RECORD ENTRIES IN NEW ZEALAND’S ‘VIOLIN OLYMPICS’

Media release Tuesday, 20 December 2022 RECORD ENTRIES IN NEW ZEALAND’S ‘VIOLIN OLYMPICS’ – MICHAEL HILL INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION RETURNS JUNE 2023 New Zealand’s globally regarded Michael Hill International Violin Competition, supported by the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, returns in June 2023 and entries for the 11th event have broken all previous records, with 160 young violinists from across the word vying for one of the coveted 16 quarter-finalists spots. Violin and classical music lovers…

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New Zealand’s Most Prestigious International Music Competition Returns
Sheena Haywood

New Zealand’s Most Prestigious International Music Competition Returns

The violins are back! After a four-year COVID hiatus, New Zealand’s globally regarded Michael Hill International Violin Competition returns in June 2023. Violin and classical music lovers haven’t been able to experience the thrilling, formerly biennial (now triennial) event since 2019. Considered an ‘Olympics of the violin world’, 16 of the very best 18- to 26-year-old violinists from all over the world battle it out in Queenstown, and then Auckland. Their goal? To be selected by the prestigious…

Find out MoreNew Zealand’s Most Prestigious International Music Competition Returns
The finale – A celebration of music
Kia Kōpuni performance

The finale – A celebration of music

The finale concert of the Whakatipu Music Festival was a beautiful reflection of the festival as a whole, a celebration of music. Our professional artists performed some of their favourite pieces. Alistair Fraser, from Tararua performed alongside flautist Bridget Douglas in a piece composed for taonga pūoro.   The Kia Kōpuni performances closed out a fantastic weekend! A range of artists from professional and emerging to local musicians took to the stage in an en masse performance. Performing Colour…

Find out MoreThe finale – A celebration of music
Sunday night performances
Young artist chamber ensemble

Sunday night performances

Easter Sunday - Our lovely musicians volunteered their time and talent at local churches for their Easter services yesterday morning.  The afternoon hosted more amazing concerts and recitals. Yesterday’s community performance showcased Wasabi - the Japanese choir, piano students of Kinga Krupa, Aspiring Chamber Ensemble and young artist Zephyr Willis (a musician of incredible talent and range) was pulled in at the last minute to perform. Not only does Zephyr play the viola, but he’s also a talented…

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Saturday night performances
Young artist Peter Gjelsten performing

Saturday night performances

A fresh Queenstown day began with a taonga pūoro talk from Tararua members, Ariana Tikao and Alistair Fraser.  Coming off the back of their performance the previous night, the talk provided an incredible insight into their unique musicality. Ariana and Alistair discussed their own journey with taonga pūoro and how improvisation skills from Tararua group members Ruby Solly and Phil Boniface are exceptionally valuable when working with taonga pūoro. Demonstrating how each instrument is used, they explained the…

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