Suyeon Kang from Australia has won the 2015 Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

Kang (26) performed Sibelius Concerto in D minor with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in the finals of the prestigious competition at Auckland’s Town Hall.

She takes away NZ$40,000, a recording contract on the Atoll label, a personalised professional development programme, a bespoke gown from Kiri Nathan, and a Michael Hill gold and diamond pendant from Christine Hill’s Spirits Bay Collection, based on iconic New Zealand shell the Totorere. She will also return to New Zealand in 2016 for an intensive performance tour across the country, presented in partnership with Chamber Music NZ and the APO.

South Korea’s Eunae Koh came second receiving $10,000 and Canada’s Timmy Chooi was placed third, for which he receives NZ$5,000. Both, along with Kang, performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in tonight’s finals. Koh also received the NZ$2,000 Chamber Music Prize as the top performer in Round Three.

Fourth place was given to Japan’s Natsumi Tsuboi who receives NZ$3,000, South Korea’s Elly Suh placed fifth receiving NZ$2,000, and the sixth place-getter, Marie-Christine Klettner from Austria, receives NZ $1,000.

The Competition drew to a close tonight after more than a week of intense competition during which 18 semi-finalists from around the world performed.

Of winning the Competition, Kang said, “I’m totally amazed - I didn’t expect it at all. The competition has been fantastic, so friendly and well run, and New Zealand so welcoming. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to returning next year for the Winner’s tour.”

The initial rounds I and II took place in Queenstown with pianists Diedre Irons and Sarah Watkins, from which six semi-finalists were selected to perform in round III – piano trios with cellist Ashley Brown and pianist Michael Houstoun – in Auckland.

The winners were selected through secret ballot by the international jury which this year comprised Pierre Amoyal (France / Switzerland), Sergiu Schwartz (Romania), Young Uck Kim (South Korea), Joseph Lin (USA), Susie Park (Australia), Helene Pohl (New Zealand) and Benjamin Schmid (Austria).

Semi-finalists travelled to New Zealand from South Korea, Canada, Poland, Taiwan, USA, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria and China.

About The Michael Hill International Violin Competition

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition has been held biennially since 2001.

It is New Zealand’s most prestigious music competition and recognised as one of the finest violin competitions in the world.

It attracts live audiences of more than 4,000 and its online performance views exceed 250,000 (including 16,000 live streaming).

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition aims to promote young violinists from all over the world who are launching their professional solo careers and are aspiring to establish themselves on the world stage.

The competition recognises and encourages excellence and musical artistry, and expands the young violinists’ performance opportunities.

All competition applicants are aged between 18-28 years old.

The Michael Hill Violin Competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (Geneva).

Media Release: Michael Hill International Violin Competition