Rules & Regulations - Michael Hill International Violin Competition

Application

1. Hill Family Foundation for Arts & Music (‘HFFAM’) is the organiser of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026 (‘Competition’ or ‘MHIVC’). Each Competition applicant must agree to these Rules and Regulations as a condition of entering the Competition. By entering the Competition each applicant agrees that they have read, and understood, and agreed to be bound by all of these Rules and Regulations.

2. The Competition opens on 1 September 2025. All applications must be received by MHIVC by 5pm NZDT on 20 November 2025 (‘Closing Date’).

3. A person is eligible to enter the Competition, and may enter the Competition, only if that person:

a. Is born after 29 May 2000 and before 29 May 2008; and
b. Is not a previous 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prize winner of any previous Michael Hill International Violin Competition; and
c. Has not been a quarter-finalist in the MHIVC more than once.

4. To enter the Competition, each applicant must, before 5pm on the Closing Date NZDT:

a. Complete the Competition Application Form available through GetAcceptd.com.(‘Competition Page’);
b. Provide all information requested in the Competition Application Form;
c. Submit an online audition that:

i. Complies with all instructions set out on the Competition Application Page;
ii. Is recorded live;
iii. Is unedited, except that the audition may be recorded over different recording sessions provided the movements within a work are performed in the same recording session;
iv. Is performed within six months prior to the Closing Date (and the date of such performance must be verified upon MHIVC’s request), unless the applicant has obtained prior written approval from MHIVC to submit a recording of an earlier performance;

d. Pay the application fee as set out on the Competition Application Form;
e. Submit the completed Competition Application Form, all requested information, and online audition getacceptd.com.

5. No person may submit more than one entry into the Competition.

6. The Competition is held in five stages, as detailed below (or as otherwise prescribed by MHIVC):

Selection: Applications due before the Closing Date
Round I: 16 quarter-finalists compete in Queenstown New Zealand on 30 and 31 May 2026
Round II: 16 quarter-finalists compete in Queenstown New Zealand on 1 and 2 June 2026
Round III: Six semi-finalists compete in Auckland New Zealand on 3 and 4 June 2026
Finals: Three finalists compete in Auckland New Zealand on 6 June 2026

7. If MHIVC considers that an applicant has knowingly provided any inaccurate or misleading information to MHIVC, MHIVC may report the same to the World Federation of International Music Competitions.

8. MHIVC assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, failure, malfunction, alteration, delay in delivery, operation or transmission, theft, or other circumstances of any kind, which may affect an entry or an applicant’s participation in the Competition. MHIVC, in its sole discretion, may disqualify any applicant whose entry does not comply with these Rules and Regulations or that MHIVC considers to be incomplete, illegible, forged, inaccurate, misleading or otherwise tampered with in any way, or made by automating or manipulating the entry process or in any other way that MHIVC considers to be inappropriate. MHIVC reserves the right to request additional information from applicants and/or to verify the validity of entries by making such enquiries as MHIVC considers appropriate.

Prizes

9. There are three types of prizes (each a ‘Prize’), namely Quarter-finalist Prizes and Award Prizes. No Prize may be transferred, exchanged, or redeemed for cash, credit, or otherwise. The Prizes consist solely of the items identified in these Rules and Regulations. Any expenses and taxes related to the Prizes are the sole responsibility of those awarded such Prize, and such persons should seek independent tax advice prior to claiming a Prize.

10. Each eligible entry for the Competition will be reviewed and judged by a panel of selection judges appointed by MHIVC. For a period of up to 30 days after the Closing Date (‘Judging Period’), the selection judges will review the eligible entries and select 16 quarter-finalists (each a ‘Quarter-finalist’ and together the ‘Quarter-finalists’).

11. Each ‘Quarter-finalist Prize’ consists of a trip to New Zealand to compete in the Competition, as further outlined below:

a. Return economy airfare from a major international travel originating airline hub to the Competition location for the Quarter-finalist to compete in the Competition (including domestic airfares to New Zealand Competition locations, if applicable) with the flight details (including place of departure) to be determined by MHIVC;
b. Accommodation (in private homes, with private rehearsal facilities during the live rounds of the Competition) for the Quarter-finalist only from 25 May 2026 until 6 June 2026 inclusive, or from such alternative period determined by MHIVC to align with the timeframes during which the Quarter-finalist competes in the Competition. Quarter-finalists must arrange, at their own cost, alternative accommodation for any family member or companion accompanying them as Competition private accommodation does not extend beyond the Quarter-finalist; and
c. The provision of accompanists and collaborating artists (as selected by MHIVC) to assist the Quarter-finalist’s performance in all live rounds of the Competition. Should Quarter-finalists wish to perform in Rounds I and II with their own piano accompanist, all travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the Quarter-finalist.

12. Each Quarter-finalist’s performances in the Competition will be reviewed and judged by an international panel of judges appointed by MHIVC. The international judges will review the Quarter-finalists and select the winners of the Award Prizes (described below).

13. The ‘Award Prizes’ consist of:

a. First Prize:

i. NZD$40,000.00;
ii. Recording on the Atoll Label, with the details to be determined by Atoll Limited in consultation with the First Prize winner;
iii. Performing in the ‘Winner’s Tour 2027’ (including a performance with Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra) presented in association with Chamber Music New Zealand, with the details to be determined by MHIVC in consultation with the First Prize Winner; and
iv. A Personalised Career Development Programme, with the details to be determined by MHIVC in consultation with the First Prize winner.

b. Second Prize: NZD$10,000

c. Third Prize: NZD$5,000

d. Fourth Prize: NZD$4,000

e. Fifth Prize: NZD$3,000

f. Sixth Prize: NZD$2,000

g. Best Performance of New Zealand Commissioned Work: NZD$1,000

h. Chamber Music Prize: NZD$1,000

i. Sheila Smith Prize: A three-year loan of a fine violin – a Domenico Montagnana of Venice Italy circa 1735-39 – donated by Rare Violins of New York

14. MHIVC will attempt to contact each Quarter-finalist Prize Winner following the Selection Judging Period using the details provided through the Competition Application Form and may require the Quarter-finalist Prize Winner to follow further instructions in order to claim the Prize.

15. To claim the Quarter-finalist Prize, the Quarter-finalist Prize Winner must, within 48 hours of MHIVC’s first attempted communication with the Quarter-finalist, respond to MHIVC as instructed by MHIVC and provide upon request:

a. Proof of the applicant’s identity and age;
b. Valid residential address details for the applicant;
c. The applicant’s passport details; and
d. Any additional details or information requested by MHIVC.

In the event that the applicant does not provide any such information, MHIVC may determine that their entry to the Competition is invalid and that they will forfeit the Prize.

16. If the Quarter-finalist Winner does not claim the Prize and provide all necessary documentation or information upon request in accordance with clause 14, then MHIVC may, at its option, select another Quarter-finalist but has no obligation to do so.

17. Each Quarter-finalist is responsible for all expenses associated with their Prize including spending money, transport (excluding transport provided by MHIVC in accordance with these Rules and Regulations), meals, drinks, laundry charges, incidentals, taxes (excluding airline and airport taxes), travel insurance, passports, visas, vaccinations, gratuities, services charges, instrument insurance and all other ancillary costs. Appropriate insurance is highly recommended to protect against the additional costs incurred in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

18. Quarter-finalist Prize Winners must obtain all necessary travel documentation including visas and a valid passport with an expiry date sufficiently far into the future to allow the Quarter-finalist Winner to visit New Zealand for the Competition, and is responsible for all costs incurred in obtaining such documentation.

19. Entering and participating in the Competition (including claiming, and use of, the Prize) is at each applicant’s own risk and is solely their responsibility. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither MHIVC nor any of its subsidiaries, related companies, associated entities, employees, contractors, and agents shall be liable for any personal injury, or any indirect, consequential, or special loss, damage, cost, or expense howsoever caused to any person (including through negligence or breach of statutory duty) arising out of or in connection with:

a. This Competition;
b. Any acts or omissions of MHIVC; or
c. Any Force Majeure Event (as defined in clause 45).

20. Selected Quarter-finalists must attend and compete in the Competition in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and must follow all reasonable instructions given by MHIVC (or its representatives).

21. Quarter-finalists may, in consultation with MHIVC, choose to arrive in New Zealand prior to the Competition or to remain in New Zealand after the Competition. Quarter-finalists that choose to do so are responsible for any and all additional expenses incurred.

22. All Quarter-finalists must attend the Competition welcome activities, official draw, rounds and final (including those in which the Quarter-finalist is not selected to compete) and prize-giving ceremony, and are not permitted to change their travel plans unless they have obtained prior written permission from MHIVC.

23. All Quarter-finalists are required to participate in the Competition’s career development and community outreach activities as provided by the MHIVC.

Quarter-finalist Repertoire

24. All Quarter-finalists must comply with the Competition repertoire requirements as set out at or as otherwise prescribed by MHIVC.

25. Quarter-finalists must request any changes to their submitted programme to be performed in the Competition to MHIVC on or before 1 April 2026. No subsequent changes may be made to such repertoire without the prior written approval of MHIVC.

26. Quarter-finalists may repeat the repertoire recorded for their initial Competition audition entry in the live Competition rounds.

27. Quarter-finalists must perform all repertoire works in their entirety, except where otherwise stated by MHIVC. Repeats are at the discretion of the Quarter-finalist who will take the timings allowed for each Round into consideration.

28. All repertoire works performed in Rounds I and II of the Competition and the Competition final must be performed by the Quarter-finalist by memory where stated in repertoire.

29. Final approval of the submitted repertoire will be at the discretion of the MHIVC

30. The program performance order of Round I and II repertoire is at the discretion of the Quarter-finalist with the exception of the Bach solo work which must be the first work performed in Round I.

31. Quarter-finalists are required to provide a piano score for all accompanied works music performed in the Competition by 1 February 2026.

During the Competition

32. Each Quarter-finalist will be allocated up to 120 minutes rehearsal time with a pianist designated by MHIVC between 25-29 May 2026 or on such other date(s) advised by MHIVC. Quarter-finalists who wish to bring their own accompanists to the Competition must bear any and all related costs (including travel and accommodation costs).

33. Quarter-finalists selected by MHIVC to advance to Round III will rehearse with the Competition ensemble musicians designated by MHIVC for a maximum of 90 minutes prior to the Semi-finalist’s performance in the Competition performance venue.

34. The performance order of the Competitors are drawn 29 May 2026. Competitor performance order for Round III and the Final Round are at the discretion of the MHIVC and may not replicate the order of the draw for reasons of Health & Safety of Collaborating Artists and in recognition of audience appeal.

35. Quarter-finalists must not exceed the minimum or maximum timings specified by MHIVC for Rounds I and II combined (minimum 80 minutes/ maximum 90 minutes for each Semi-finalist). The international panel of judges reserves the right to stop Quarter-finalists who exceed the maximum timing specified and may penalise such Quarter-finalists.

36. Quarter-finalists who are unable to perform when requested to do so by MHIVC may be disqualified from the Competition. In the case of illness or accident certified by an independent medical practitioner, MHIVC may, at its discretion, allow the Quarter-finalist to reschedule their performance(s).

Further Considerations

37. All decisions made by MHIVC (or its representatives including the panel of judges, their chair and the Competition Executive Director) including, without limitation, decisions regarding the eligibility of entries, the conduct of the Competition, the interpretation of these Rules and Regulations, the selection of Prizewinners (including the selection of Quarter-finalists), will be final and incontestable. No correspondence will be entered into. To the maximum extent permitted by law:

a. No decisions of MHIVC may be challenged on any grounds, including (without limitation), due to any alleged or actual failure of MHIVC or the judge or judges to act reasonably, in good faith, or fairly; and
b. The decisions of MHIVC will remain binding and final even if those decisions are challenged on any ground that they are wrong for any reason.

38. MHIVC reserves the right at any time to:

a. Cancel this Competition;
b. Supplement or change any condition of this Competition;
c. Substitute any Prize (due to unavailability or for any other reason) with a different Prize of equal or greater monetary value;
d. Consider or not consider any late application;
e. Waive any irregularity or informality in the Competition or any application;
f. Change any Competition date.

39. The First Prize winner must fulfil all subsequent performance and recording obligations referred to in these Rules and Regulations and any subsequent agreement entered between the First Prize winner and MHIVC.

40. The Winner’s Tour 2027 is under the management of MHIVC in collaboration with Chamber Music New Zealand and the Auckland Philharmonia, and may include concerto appearances, recitals, chamber music performances, masterclasses, workshops and community outreach engagements. A concert fee considered appropriate by MHIVC and the organisation offering the engagement will be negotiated for these concerts in each individual case. All engagements in relation to the Winner’s Tour 2027 under these Rules and Regulations are offered to the First Prize winner in principle only and will be subject to final negotiation.

41. Any intellectual property resulting from and related to the Competition becomes and remain the property of MHIVC. This includes but is not limited to all intellectual property and any other rights to and in any recordings, photography, videography and/or broadcasts/transmissions (live, delayed or future), in all formats, nationally and internationally, taken or recorded at any time during the Competition including all Competition rounds and concerts. Each applicant hereby agrees to waive all moral rights in such items to the fullest extent permitted by law. The applicants shall have no claim to compensation.

42. By entering this Competition, each applicant consents to their name, image, photograph, performance, interview, and likeness being photographed, recorded, reproduced, broadcast, published, communicated and otherwise used by MHIVC (including on behalf of MHIVC, or as authorised by MHIVC) for publicity, advertising, and promotional purposes (or any other purpose deemed appropriate by MHIVC) through any media, including video recording, video or audio podcast, the Internet, live stream, YouTube, printed or electronic materials, radio, television, or any other channel or medium deemed appropriate by MHIVC (‘MHIVC Publications’), anywhere throughout the world in perpetuity and without the need for any reward or compensation, unless otherwise agreed between the parties. The applicant agrees to sign one or more release forms in the form prescribed by MHIVC confirming the foregoing upon request.

43. Each applicant acknowledges that they have no right to any input in relation to MHIVC Publications. MHIVC has no obligation to consider the applicant’s requests regarding MHIVC Publications and all MHIVC decisions, including, but not limited to, the removal or alteration of any MHIVC Publications, are at MHIVC’s sole discretion and are final. Accordingly, no correspondence will be entered into.

44. Quarter-finalists Prize Winners agree to be available for and provide media interviews, photographs, and other promotional activities as requested by MHIVC including to promote the Competition, MHIVC, and MHIVC’s community outreach and educational activities. Competitors and Prize Winners must not contact the media in relation to MHIVC or the Competition without the prior written approval of MHIVC.

45. Personal information provided by each applicant may be stored and used by MHIVC:

a. For the purposes of conducting the Competition; and
b. For additional purposes associated with the Competition or MHIVC’s business (such as research, promotion, or marketing activities to provide applicants with information and promotional material about goods or services);
c. For ongoing archival purposes.

An applicant may request access to, or correction of, personal information held by MHIVC about that applicant by writing to MHIVC. Personal information will not otherwise be used or disclosed by MHIVC, except as required or permitted by the New Zealand Privacy Act 1993 or other applicable laws.

46. Neither MHIVC or any applicant shall be liable for any delay in meeting, or failing to meet, its obligations under these Rules and Regulations to extent that such delay or failure is caused by any event outside its reasonable control, including but not limited to unforeseen serious personal illness or accident, or national calamity (‘Force Majeure Event’). If either MHIVC or the applicant is prevented from meeting its obligations under these Rules and Regulations due to a Force Majeure Event, it must notify the other party and resume performance of its obligations as soon as it is able to do so, unless otherwise agreed between MHIVC and the applicant.

47. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MHIVC (and its subsidiaries, related companies, associated entities, employees, contractors and agents) disclaim all guarantees, warranties, and representations of any kind (whether express, implied or statutory) in respect of this Competition, any Prize, and the claiming and use of any Prize.

48. If an applicant breaches any of these Rules and Regulations MHIVC may disqualify that applicant from the Competition and any Prize may be withheld or withdrawn, in each case at the discretion of MHIVC.

49. This Competition and these Rules and Regulations shall be governed by New Zealand law and the courts of New Zealand shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all issues and disputes that may arise in relation to this Competition or these Rules and Regulations. Applicants submit to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts and agree that the New Zealand courts are a convenient forum in which to resolve any issue or dispute concerning this Competition or these Rules and Regulations.