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.

For a full picture of the 2023 Competition and the musicians involved, download: 2023 MHIVC Programme Book

Queenstown: 2-5 June 2023

Audiences witness the thrill of the hunt up during these preliminary rounds at the intimate Queenstown Memorial Centre.

FRIDAY 2 & SATURDAY 3 JUNE   |   Quarter-final Round 1   |   Queenstown Memorial Hall

Round I – 16 Competitors
Collaborating pianists Sarah Watkins and Somi Kim.
Exquisite Bach solo works, fiendishly difficult Paganini caprices, charming salon pieces and the popular Ad Libitum selection of their own choosing.

SUNDAY 4 – MONDAY 5 JUNE   |   Quarter-final Round II   |   Queenstown Memorial Hall

Round II – 16 Competitors
Soaring sonatas, a brand-new commission by Michael Norris and virtuosic show pieces.

Auckland: 7-10 June 2023

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 7 & THURSDAY 8 JUNE   |   Semi-final Round III     Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber

The advancing six semi-finalists’ impeccable artistry and leadership skills are on display when, on just 90 minutes’ rehearsal, they lead Mozart’s sublime string quintets with eminent NZ musicians Amalia Hall, Gillian Ansell, Robert Ashworth and Ashley Brown.

SATURDAY 10 JUNE   |   GRAND FINALE     Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall 

The Final Round sees the top three competitors go head-to-head performing concertos with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton.

Watch to the end and relive the announcement of the winner and all the associated prizes (including the Audience Prize).