It was a moment every grandfather dreams of, millionaire jeweller Michael Hill said when he played a violin alongside his grandson to a sell-out crowd in Arrowtown yesterday.
Sir Michael, who played a classic Guadagnini violin manufactured in 1755, said it was a "pretty amazing" day and a "grandfather’s dream to see Jacob embrace music.
Sir Michael and 12-year-old Jacob Jacques took to the stage at the Thomas Brown Gallery, alongside pianist Kinga Krupa and soprano Tamaki Lida.
The concert, along with a first show that took place on Thursday at the Lodge at the Hills, raised $10,000 for the Wakatipu Community Foundation Greatest Needs Fund.
Ms Krupa said the money would help support young people and children with mental health issues in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Michael Hill (81) plays the 1755 Guadagnini violin alongside grandson Jacob Jacques at the Thomas Brown Gallery, Arrowtown. PHOTO: MATTHEW MCKEW
He said his own father was "exceptionally musical" and to have that musicality carried through to another generation was "wonderful".
Sir Michael said the violin he played to the 50 or so members of the audience had an amazing tone, but was like a "Ferrari with poor gears" that needed careful handling.
