Over eight days, a feast of spellbinding acts of virtuosity, heartstring-tugging treasures and heroic masterpieces were performed by the top 16 of the world’s finest young violinists.
The “Michael Hill” is recognised as one of the most sought-after international violin prizes and the careers of future musical legends are launched here in New Zealand when they go head to head for a prize package valued at over $100,000.
The full programme is below. Don’t miss out on our 25th celebrations – book your tickets today!
Queenstown: 29 May to 1 June 2026
Audiences witness the thrill up close during these preliminary rounds at the intimate Queenstown Memorial Centre.
FRIDAY 29 & SATURDAY 30 MAY | Quarter-final Round I | Queenstown Memorial Hall
Round I – 16 Competitors
Collaborating pianists Sarah Watkins and Paige Molloy Roberts.
Exquisite solo works, fiendishly difficult caprices, charming salon pieces and the popular Ad Libitum selection of their own choosing.
SUNDAY 31 MAY – MONDAY 1 JUNE | Quarter-final Round II | Queenstown Memorial Hall
Round II – 16 Competitors
Soaring sonatas, a brand-new commission by Salina Fisher and virtuosic show pieces.
Auckland: 3-6 June 2026
The pressure mounts as the whole Competition travels north to the grandeur of the Auckland Town Hall.
Whilst the six semi-finalists are in rehearsals, the other visiting violinists deliver workshops with up-and-coming Kiwi musicians and enjoy professional development opportunities with jury members.
WEDNESDAY 3 & THURSDAY 4 JUNE | Semi-finals | Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber
The advancing six semi-finalists’ impeccable artistry and leadership skills are on display when, with just 90 minutes’ rehearsal, they lead Mozart’s sublime string quintets with eminent musicians from NZTrio – Amalia Hall (violin), Matthias Balzat (cello) and Jian Liu (piano) – and Robert Ashworth (viola).
SATURDAY 6 JUNE | GRAND FINALE | Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall
The Grand Final sees the top three competitors go head-to-head performing concertos with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Alan Burabayev.
Watch to the end for the announcement of the winner and all the associated prizes (including the Audience Prize).