National String and National Piano Competitions Semi-finals

2021 sees the partnering of two New Zealand icons to deliver national competitions:

From a rigorous national audition, 15 string players and 15 pianists have been selected to compete in the 2021 National String Competition presented by the Hill Family Foundation for Art and Music and the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition.

The National String Competition, presented by the Hill Family Foundation for Art and Music (formerly the Michael Hill International Violin Competition) knows a thing or two about competitions.

Since 2013, the biennial Lewis Eady National Piano Competition has inspired, surprised, and delighted music enthusiasts, and has successfully launched the careers of many Kiwi artists, including Jason Bae (Steinway Artist) and Somi Kim (NZTrio). Semi-final Rounds 1 & 2 | National String Competition & Lewis Eady National Piano Competition

Flexible attendance is available to watch just one session, or plan to stay for the day – taking in performances by New Zealand’s finest young classical musicians and workshops from our country’s leading educators.

National String Competition | with pianists Somi Kim and Sarah Watkins
Friday, 3 Sep - Round 1 | Three sessions: 9:30am | 1:00pm | 4:30pm
Saturday, 4 Sep - Round 2 | Three sessions: 9:30am | 1:00pm | 4:30pm + Finalists announced

15 outstanding young string players will each perform two 20-minute recital programmes comprising contrasting styles, including a work by a New Zealand composer.

Lewis Eady National Piano Competition
Friday, 3 Sep - Round 1 | Three sessions: 9:30am | 2:00pm | 7:00pm
Saturday, 4 Sep - Round 2 | Three sessions: 9:30am | 2:00pm | 7:00pm + Finalists announced

Each piano semi-finalist will perform two 30-minute recital programmes of their choice including a work by a New Zealand composer.

Door sales available.

Workshops
Friday, 3 Sep | Nancy November: String Quintets 11:45am | Chris Gendall: NZ Composition 3:15pm
Saturday, 4 Sep | James Bush: Notes on Baroque String Playing 11:45am | Stephen Larsen: Teaching Demo for Music Teachers 3:15pm

Free Entry

Following Semi-final Round 2, the judges will announce three string and three piano finalists to compete in the Grand Final on Sunday 5 September being held at the Diocesan School for Girls' Performing Arts Centre.

The brightest stars are those on the rise. Join us and watch the exciting future of New Zealand's next generation of classical music talent.