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…
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
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…

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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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Impromptu Fergburger performance!
Young artists outside Fergburger after their performance.

Impromptu Fergburger performance!

Getting excited for public performances - some of the young artists put on an impromptu, flashmob style performance outside the famous Fergburger. A fun, light-hearted performance, had people in the Fergburger queue taking videos and stopping passerbys in their tracks. Even the Ferg chefs came outside for a listen! A fun way to finish off the artists Thursday rehearsals. And of course they were rewarded with world-famous delicious burgers courtesy of Fergburger!   Check shots from the evening…

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Supporting Arts in the Community
Sir Michael Hill and Lady Christine Hill, Tararua and Ngai Tāhu members and Ngai Tāhu welcome.

Supporting Arts in the Community

This morning began with school visits. Introducing local kids to classical music, inspiring and stimulating kids to continue or pick up their own instrument.  Young artists April and Stefenie visited St Joseph’s Primary School, Shuan, Hazuki and Cecile went to Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau and composer Lucy Mulgan engaged with kids at the Liger Academy.  Stefenie introduced the kids to the clarinet, playing the ‘Peppa Pig’ theme song, which was met with much enthusiasm as they all…

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Rehearsals are underway
Young artists rehearsing with guidance from Andrew Joyce.

Rehearsals are underway

And the week is underway!  Beginning with community workshops and young artist rehearsals, our professional and emerging artists have brought the Queenstown Memorial Centre to life with their beautiful sounds.  Our musicians began their day with rehearsals for their individual recitals before a professional development session hosted by professional artist Bridget Douglas. Coming together for the afternoon the young artists began rehearsing for their Young Artist Chamber Concert on Sunday with guidance from professional artists Robin Wilson, Andrew…

Find out MoreRehearsals are underway