Symphonia Concerts 2-6 June (Michael Hill Week)
Michael Hill International Violin Competition
Five days of world-class
violin at Symphonia.
2 – 6 June 2026 · Symphonia Music, Freemans Bay
From semifinal performances to masterclasses, luthier demonstrations, and the Grand Final, the Auckland leg of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition brings the world's most exciting young violinists to Symphonia for one extraordinary week.
About the competition
One of the world's leading violin competitions.
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is widely regarded as one of the world's leading violin competitions. Founded by Sir Michael Hill and now celebrating over two decades of excellence, the competition attracts outstanding young violinists from across the globe and is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, placing it among the most respected international competitions worldwide.
What makes this especially exciting for Auckland audiences is the rare opportunity to experience not only world-class performances, but also direct access to internationally celebrated artists through workshops, masterclasses, coaching, and adjudication.
View the international judging panelThis week at Symphonia
Four days. Four chances to be in the room.
The competition's Auckland String Sessions live at Symphonia from Tuesday through Friday, with the Grand Final at Auckland Town Hall on Saturday.
Tuesday 3 June
Semifinal performances + masterclasses
Hear the semifinalists perform at Symphonia, with the day's masterclasses given by visiting judges and senior artists. Booking links above.
Wednesday 4 June
Semifinal performances + masterclasses
A second day of semifinal repertoire and judge-led masterclasses at Symphonia. Open to the public.
Thursday 5 June
Coaching and rehearsal day
Finalists prepare for Saturday's Grand Final at Symphonia, with workshop activity throughout the day. See the daily poster for details.
Friday 6 June
Final masterclasses + luthier workshop
Saturday 9am masterclasses are particularly recommended for first-time attendees, paired with a luthier workshop showing the violin-making process up close.
Why this matters
Watching world-class players, up close.
Direct access to international artists
Coaching, masterclasses, and adjudication from globally recognised judges and visiting performers, all under one roof at Symphonia.
Free masterclass programme
The Auckland String Sessions masterclass programme is free to attend, with bookings managed through Humanitix.
A working hub for the week
Symphonia opens its hall and downstairs rooms to host semifinal performances, rehearsals, coaching, and the luthier workshop across the full week.
Tickets
How to book.
The Ticketmaster link below covers all three ticketed competition events: the semifinals on 3 and 4 June, and the Grand Final on 6 June. Masterclass attendance is free, with a separate booking link.
Find us
Symphonia Music.
57–59 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland. Email info@symphoniamusic.co.nz for any questions about the week.
