Loana Cristina Goicea., the 2017 International Violin Competition winner. Photo: Supplied
The world's best young violinists are battling it out in Queenstown this weekend with the return of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Sixteen contestants aged between 18 and 28 are competing for a $40,000 winner's check, a recording contract and a tour with Chamber Music New Zealand.
The competition began in Queenstown on Friday and will move to Auckland next week, where the top three will perform at the the judged final concert with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on 10 June.
Competition director Anne Rodda said the violinists had been preparing for over a year, and would be performing a variety of solo violin and piano accompanied works.
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is back!
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She said it was fantastic to bring the event back after three years of Covid-19-related cancellations.
"It's so thrilling to be able to have these incredible international violinists back in New Zealand. We can't wait to hear them play."
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra concertmaster Andrew Beer said it was his fourth time being a part of the competition selection panel.
"We've never seen so many strong applicants. The future of violin playing is bright."