Eighteen of the world's finest young violinists arrive in New Zealand next week to compete in the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, in Queenstown.
The finalists are from eight different countries - Russia, United States, Canada, Germany, China, Uzbekistan, Korea and Poland. The contest includes two rounds of competition in Queenstown, beginning on Saturday, June 4, masterclasses with the international judges, then a round in Auckland with the top six performers and the final with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, on Saturday, June 11.
The first prize is $40,000, a recording session and a winner's tour in 2012. Two development artists - New Zealander Ben Morrison and Korean-born Australian Suyeon Kang - also take part in the programme.
This year's competition also features an Insiders' Guide hosted by New Zealand violinist Justine Cormack (NZTrio), which aims to provide insights into the contest for the audience.
The competition will be judged by Michael Dauth (Germany-Australia), Boris Garlitsky (Russia-United Kingdom), Cho-Liang Lin (Taiwan-United States), Tasmin Little (UK), Vesa-Matti Leppanen (Finland-UK) and Lara St John (Canada). The panel is chaired by Dr Robin Congreve (New Zealand).
