Audition Information for the 2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition

Welcome to the 2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, presented by the Hill Family Foundation for Art and Music.

Through an international online audition process, our Selection Panel will select and invite 16 world-class violin talents, ages 18-26, to participate in the live competition rounds.  Airfares and accommodation are provided for each quarter-finalist.  Arrival date in New Zealand is Monday 25 May.

There are four live rounds in the "Michael Hill", refer Repertoire.  Rounds I and II are held in picturesque Queenstown in the South Island from 29 May - 1 June where all 16 quarter-finalists perform a full recital featuring solo and piano-accompanied works in two halves over both rounds.  The International Panel of Judges will select 6 semi-finalists to advance to Round III and on 2 June, all quarter-finalists are flown to cosmopolitan Auckland in the North Island.

In Auckland, violinists not competing in the live competition rounds will actively participate in the Auckland String Sessions - a four-day festival of learning and playing with Michael Hill judges and local musicians.  Masterclasses, schools and community engagement, workshops and ensemble performances are on offer and culminate on 6 June in a public showcase concert.

For the 6 competing violinists, Round III is full piano quintets on 3 and 4 June, from which 3 finalists will be selected to perform concerti with the Auckland Philharmonia in the Grand Finale on 6 June.  

All competition live rounds are open to the public and are recorded and broadcast by Radio New Zealand Concert with wide distribution through media partners the Violin Channel and others. 

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition believes today's musicians are truly citizens of the world and does not prejudice against nationality, gender or religion.  We welcome an inclusive environment where every individual feels respected, valued and empowered to demonstrate their unique musical talents.

To complete and submit your application, visit the link in the drop-down menu on the left of this page.
Important!  Application deadline is 20 November 2025 at 5:00pm New Zealand time which is ahead of other time zones.
Late applications are not accepted. 

For further details including criteria, repertoire, rules and regulations, etc... visit www.violincompetition.co.nz

For technical questions, relating to this application process, please contact the Acceptd Help Desk.

Key Dates:

20 November – Application deadline
21 December – Selected quarter-finalists and alternates notified
23 December – Confirmed quarter-finalists and alternates announced

1 February - Quarter-finalist and alternate programmes provided to management 
20 February - Quarter-finalist programmes confirmed by management
1 April - Distribution of NZ Commissioned work
25 May - arrival date in Queenstown New Zealand (note with international date line and distance to New Zealand, flights originating from Europe and North America depart 23 May for 25 May NZ arrival)


2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition

Queenstown Dates: 25 May - 1 June
Auckland Dates:  3 - 6 June