The young violinists will start arriving in a week's time to compete in the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. They will be hosted by 36 families in Queenstown and Auckland.
Billeting the violinists with families has been at the core of the biennial competition since it started 12 years ago. Executive director Anne Rodda said it was a ''wonderful link'' between the musicians and the community.
''It provides competitors with a built-in support system and someone in the audience who is willing them [on], and a shoulder to cry on if they don't [win], and it's great for the host families, who have an opportunity to really get to know a rising star,'' Ms Rodda said.
''Often, the relationship continues for years after the competition. We had one violinist who rang their Queenstown host every Sunday for years after they met and other hosts have visited their billeted musicians when travelling overseas.''
The competition will start in the Queenstown Memorial Centre from May 31 to June 3.
Six violinists will then compete in the semifinals in the Auckland Town Hall on June 5 and 6 and the top three compete in the final in Auckland on June 8.
The prize includes $40,000 cash and an Atoll recording deal. The winner will be offered a personalised professional development programme and tour of New Zealand next year.
