Wellington-born Baker - recently awarded a first prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York - is the only New Zealander among the 16 violinists in the quarterfinals of the ninth biennial competition.
Baker (26), who plays a Tononi violin (1709), has given recitals throughout Europe and appeared as a soloist with the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. He released his first CD in 2015 for Champs Hill Records.
Joining Baker will be seven musicians from South Korea, three from Japan and one each from Russia, Romania, the United States, Switzerland and Kazakhstan, aged from 18 to 28.
Included are returning competitors Ioana Cristina Goicea (Romania), Luke Hsu (United States), Jung Min Choi (South Korea), Mari Lee (South Korea/Japan) and Natsumi Tsuboi (Japan).
The first two stages will be held in Queenstown from June 2 to 5, after which six semifinalists will be selected to travel to Auckland for the third round on June 7 and 8.
The top three violinists will perform concerti in the Auckland Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on June 10.
The winner will receive $40,000; a recording contract with the Atoll label; a performance tour across New Zealand and Australia; and a professional development programme.
They will also be invited to perform on Sir Michael Hill's personal violin - a 1755 Guadagnini named ``The Southern Star'' - during the winner's tour.
The competition is open to the public, with opportunities for local violinists to learn from and work with the visiting musicians through workshops, master classes, rehearsals and talks with industry professionals.
