FAQs
Does the application need to be postmarked or received by 30 November 2010?
Received.
Will our application materials be returned to us?
Unfortunately we are unable to return the applications.
When and how will I know if I've been selected?By 20 December 2010 the Competition will advise, by email, successful semi-finalists and alternates. Additionally, all the semi-finalists (and alternates) will be listed on the website.
When will I need to submit my Competition full repertoire?
Full repertoire selection is due from semifinalists and alternates by or before the 1st of February 2011. It will then be checked for accuracy, and will be run past Mr Dene Olding, the Artistic Adviser, for final approval. No changes can be made without permission of the Competition, and absolutely no changes will be accepted after 1 May 2011.
Why are applications asked to send a video recording of their audition application if the Preliminary Panel doesn't know the identities of the applicants?
The Competition requires that all application recordings are unedited and aims to guarantee the highest level of integrity. By submitting DVDs, the Competition's management can verify authenticity of the applicant and the recording and the panel can still listen without the visual component. Because the Competition strives to be financially accessible to all applicants and appreciates that not all will have access to affordable recording facilities, it permits applicants to submit a high-quality audio recording provided they also submit a visual recording of them making their audio recording. The quality of the accompanying video is not of paramount importance as only the Competition's management will be viewing it to verify the audio recording is unedited and is made by the applicant.
If I am sending my audition application as a DVD (containing both video and audio recording), what format should it be in?
If you are submitting a video recording (with high-quality audio) of your audition application on DVD, please ensure that the DVD is formatted as DVD-Video that can be played on any standard DVD player. As the DVD will be viewed on a standard DVD player (as opposed to a PC), it does not matter whether the DVD is DVD-R or DVD+R. Please note that whilst there is no specific frame rate or frame size requirement, the audio data must be of a high quality.
If I am sending my audition application as an audio CD, plus a separate CD/DVD of the video recording, what format should these be in? Can I send the video recording electronically instead?
Audition audio recordings submitted as audio CDs must be in standard Red Book CD-DA format, i.e. not a MP3 CD. Please ensure that your audio CD has high quality encoding. Whilst we prefer receiving your accompanying video recording as a Video CD or DVD-Video, we will also accept your video recording on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM or electronically through the internet via a file sharing provider such as YouSendIt, WeTransfer or DropSend, provided that the video recording is in one of the following formats: AVI, MOV/QT, MPG/MPEG, MP4, 3GP or ASF/WMV/WMA. If you are submitting a DVD-ROM of your video recording, please ensure that it is DVD-R. If you are sending your video recording electronically, please address it to violincompetition@michaelhill.co.nz.
Does the application recording need to be made without interruption, or can it be recorded in more than one session?
Provided
the audio recording is unedited, and the video recording is made at the same time
to verify the applicant's recording, it can be recorded in different sessions, i.e. there can be breaks between pieces.
Can I repeat the repertoire between the application round and rounds I and II?
Yes, should you be selected as a semi-finalist, you can repeat repertoire from your application round.
Does the application repertoire need to be in any certain order?
The order of the application recording repertoire can be in any order.
Can letters of recommendation be emailed or faxed?
Yes.
How do I send an electronic wire transfer to pay my Application Fee?
Contact the Competition with your request and we will send you instructions.
Why do I need a Visa to enter New Zealand?
Unless
you hold a New Zealand or Australian passport, you must obtain a visa
and this is the responsibilty or each of the semi-finalists. The New
Zealand government considers compensation for airfare and accommodation
(and potential prize money) to be earnings, therefore, a short-term
working visa is required. The Competition will assist by providing some
of the necessary documentation to support your visa application. It will
be necessary for you to send your passport to a New Zealand consulate
or embassy to receive your visa. Depending on your residency and
citizenship, this could take a few weeks, so plan accordingly. You will
not be allowed on the New Zealand-bound airplane without your visa.
