Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2026 Quarter-finals (Rounds I and II) - Queenstown

Every three years, Queenstown hosts the Michael Hill International Violin Competition’s thrilling quarter-finals. 

16 extraordinary young violinists, aged 18 to 26, will be flown to New Zealand from across the globe to showcase their virtuosity and artistry in one of the world’s most prestigious violin competitions. 

The quarter-finals – Rounds I and II – lift the roof off Queenstown Memorial Centre as technical brilliance meets emotional depth through 32 extraordinary performances over four days.  Repertoire performed by these stunning violinists include profound Bach and virtuosic Paganini solo works and a brand new commission by New Zealand composer Salina Fisher.  With pianists Sarah Watkins and Paige Roberts Molloy, audiences will be treated to Romantic era sonatas and a work entirely of the competitors’ choosing to demonstrate why they deserve to be a winner of ‘the Michael Hill’.

For audiences, it is a rare opportunity to witness the future stars of classical music the moment their careers are launched. Expect drama, passion and breath-taking violin as the judges decide which six will progress to the semi-finals in Auckland.

🌟 Buy 3 or more session tickets and receive a 20% discount! 🌟

8 Sessions across four days over Kings Birthday weekend, the competition invites 16 Quarter Finalists to the stage.

Friday 29 May

Session 1 2pm

Session 2 7:30pm

Saturday 30 May

Session 3 10am

Session 4 2pm

Sunday 31 May

Session 5 10am

Session 6 2pm

Monday 1 June

Session 7 10am

Session 8 2pm

6 Semi Finalist Winners announced on Monday 1st June following the 8ths session and will then move to Auckland for Round III Semi-finals on 3 and 4 June (Piano Quintets with NZTrio and violist Robert Ashworth) and ultimately the Grand Final on Saturday 6th June featuring the Auckland Philharmonia.

Individual Session Tickets and Competition Passes are available