The collaborating artists were all very supportive and flexible to my interpretations of the repertoire I chose. The chamber music round also sets this competition apart from other major ones. Chamber music helps us to be better musicians and it requires us to listen to each other, not just play our parts. Often times in the professional world there won't be a lot of rehearsal time, so it's crucial to have good chamber music skills. This competition recognizes that by including the chamber music round in its requirements.
This competition has given me visibility and an opportunity for a CD recording, which means a lot to me. I am so grateful to Michael and Christine Hill and Anne Rodda, and to all the other sponsors and organizers of the competition, without whom the competition wouldn't exist."
Yuuki Wong, 2nd Place, 2007
"Participating
in
the MHIVC 2007 has been a memorable experience, not only because I
am a prizewinner, but also because of the hospitality and kindness of
Michael and Christine Hill, the people working tirelessly to make sure
things ran like clockwork and the people of Queenstown and Auckland who
hosted the violinists and showed the best side of New Zealand and its
people. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time to relax and
look around the country, but I can only hope I will return soon!"Stefan Hempel, 3rd Place, 2007
"The time I spent in New
Zealand during the competition was just
wonderful – the incredible pure nature, the host parent ( which
supported me with all their power and positive energy), the audience in
Queenstown and in Auckland, which was so open and attentive – I was
speaking with so many nice people that after my playing – (all these
things made my stay extremely comfortable, so much), that I sometimes
really could forget that I was at a competition and I had to be nervous
and under tension. Indeed, also because everything was so well
organized, I felt more like I would give some concerts. I was also
happy to play chamber music in the final rounds, which is
still quite unusual for a violin competition, but, in my opinion a very
good idea – that gives also a focus on other sides of the musician. I
thank all the persons who are responsible for running this unique
competition!"Feng Ning, 1st Place, 2005
"Winning the Michael Hill Competition was very special to me. Because I tried to treat each round as a concert performance, it was wonderful to receive such a wonderful response from the audiences. I am very grateful for all the people involved in organising and running this great event! I hope that this Competition will further inspire young musicians to develop into exceptional artists."
Joseph Lin, 1st Place, 2001
"Every aspect of my trip to New Zealand for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition was wonderful - the people, the host families, the atmosphere, and of course the beautiful landscape. I think every competitor and jury member felt lucky simply to have the opportunity to come to such a beautiful country. Seeing the rugged, snow-capped mountains can inspire any artist. The Competition itself was organized very well, with the many skilled and dedicated staff and volunteers creating a supportive atmosphere for the musicians. It was a most memorable experience for everyone involved."
Tatiana Samouli, 2nd Place, 2001
"The competition was a feast of music and I think all the participants felt the same way; we were all artists, not students or competitors. This is the best thing a competition could ever wish to achieve, to celebrate music all together: performers, jury members and the fantastic public of New Zealand!"
