Dunedin Performing Arts Competitions Society convener Sofie Van Huffel said the event, which ran from Thursday to yesterday, provided a formal opportunity for young people — ranging from 5-year-olds to those in their 20s — to perform.
The competition format was an incentive for them to do their best, she said.
However, it was also a chance to connect with other young musicians and see what they could do.
"They might feel a little isolated just playing for the walls. This is a chance to play for other people and to see that there are people doing the same thing that they do.
"We hope that it will be encouraging."
The society was established in 1902 and the instrument competition had been held most years since then, she said.
About 200 performances took place, a similar amount as last year.
All kinds of orchestral instruments were played, from piano and classical guitar to flutes and violins.
The general level of performances had been "great".
It was enjoyable to see some young people come back each year, growing both in age and ability.
However, it was also nice to see new faces, and this year the competition seemed especially widespread — some participants had travelled from Christchurch and Invercargill to attend.
