Following the success of the inaugural Auckland String Sessions in 2023, this ‘mini festival’ of free events and activities presented by the Competition is based at Symphonia Music in Freemans Bay and culminates with an afternoon Gala Showcase at the Concert Chamber of the Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 6 June ahead of the Grand Final in the Great Hall.

Come along and celebrate the violin in concert, in classes and in the community.

Competition jury members led by award-winning violin virtuoso James Ehnes, will share their tips and best advice, in masterclasses and workshops. Geneva Lewis and Andrew Beer, Amalia Hall, members of NZTrio and others, will rehearse and perform in a massed string ensemble alongside our rising stars of the future in the Gala Showcase.

String Sessions Include:

AKSS1: Josef Špaček (Czech Republic) Violin Masterclass | Thursday 4 June

AKSS2: Natsuko Yoshimoto (Australia/ Japan) Violin Masterclass | Thursday 4 June

AKSS3: Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes (Takács Quartet) Chamber Music Class | Friday 5 June

AKSS4: Professor Vera, TSU Weiling (China) Violin Pedagogy Class | Friday 5 June

AKSS5: Professor Vera, TSU Weiling (China) Violin Masterclass | Friday 5 June

AKSS6: Amalia Hall and Matthias Balzat (NZTrio): Workshop for young violinists | Saturday 6 June

Performance tickets and other sessions for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition can be purchased through our website:

Michael Hill International Violin Competition Programme 2026

Contact the host of Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026 Auckland String Sessions 3-6 June

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: