 | |
| Formation | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Michael Hill |
| Purpose | Classical music competition |
Executive Director | Anne Rodda |
| Website | michaelhillviolincompetition |
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is a biennial music competition for violinists aged between 18 and 28. [1] It was founded by Michael Hill in 2001 [2] as the Michael Hill World Violin Competition. [3] Hill remains a major sponsor, [4] claiming that "It is my dream that New Zealand will one day become a much more balanced society with not just wonderful sport – but also wonderful classical music." [5] In 2004, the event became a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. [3] [5]
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The event is held in New Zealand, with the first two semi-final rounds of competition conducted in Queenstown and the third and final rounds held in Auckland. [6] There is a total prize pool of NZ$100,000, with the winner receiving $40,000. In 2009, the events gained about $500,000 worth of sponsorship. [7]
Special guests at the competition have included Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark, [8] and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson. [5]
