Destination Packages, Jazz Concert for Violin Compeititon

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Special Destination Packages And a New Jazz Concert as Part of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition

Special destination packages have been created in Queenstown and Auckland for visitors to extend their experience with the prestigious Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

The packages have been developed with the Queenstown Sofitel Hotel & Spa, and the Stamford Plaza Auckland and include accommodation, breakfast and tickets to the Competition.

The 2013 Michael Hill International Violin Competition takes place in Auckland and Queenstown from 31 May to 8 June and has been held biennially since 2001. As one of the top violin competitions in the world, it draws interest from around the globe.

The Queenstown Sofitel Hotel & Spa package includes two nights’ accommodation in a superior room, a welcome glass of Champagne, breakfast, passes to attend the Competition rounds and a special dinner for two. Prices start from $570 per person based on twin-share.

The Stamford Plaza Auckland package also includes two nights’ accommodation in a Superior Room, breakfast for two and premium tickets to the Grand Finale on Saturday 8 June with options to include tickets to the piano trio rounds on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June. Prices start from $460 per person based on twin-share.

The Queenstown Sofitel Hotel & Spa and Stamford Plaza Auckland join a long list of supporters of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition including major sponsors Michael Hill International, ANZ, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Villa Maria.

Also announced today as part of the 2013 Competition is a new initiative, ‘Come Play With Me’ – a jazz concert in partnership with the Queenstown Jazz and Blues Festival on Sunday 2 June featuring the Jason Thornton Jazz Group which will be joined by the 2011 Competition winner Sergey Malov and guest vocalist Karen Hattaway.

“Sergey is ridiculously talented and versatile – we really wanted to showcase another of his instrumental styles and a jazz concert will offer something a bit outside the norm of the Competition,” says Competition Executive Director Anne Rodda. “He will also be performing on his violin and his violoncello de spalla to open the event on Friday 31 May.”

The 18 semi-finalists, representing 12 nationalities, for the 2013 Competition will arrive in Queenstown in late May and compete in the initial two rounds playing solo and accompanied works with pianists Diedre Irons and Sarah Watkins. On Monday 3 June six violinists are selected for the third round in Auckland where they perform as part of a piano trio with pianist Michael Houstoun and cellist Ashley Brown. the top three compete in the final concerto round performance with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

The Competition is judged by a prestigious international jury including Christian Altenburger (Austria), James Ehnes (Canada), Ida Kavafian (Armenian/USA), Ning Feng (China), Dene Olding (Australia), Helene Pohl (New Zealand), and Dmitry Sitkovetsky (Russia).

The winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2013 receives $40,000 cash, a recording on the Atoll label and a 2014 winner's tour with Chamber Music New Zealand, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and further performances such as with the Harris Theater in Chicago, USA.

Additionally, if the winner is female, she will receive a bespoke designer gown from Kiri Nathan, or if male, a suit from Working Style.

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition takes place at Queenstown Memorial Hall from Friday 31 May to Monday 3 June with the Welcome Back Winner Recital featuring 2011 winner Sergey Malov and Sarah Watkins (piano) is on Friday 31 May at 7.30pm and Come Play With Me – the Jason Thornton Jazz Group with Karen Hattaway (vocals) and Sergey Malov (violin) is on Sunday 2 June at 7.30pm.

The Semi-Final Rounds are on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall with the Final on Saturday 8 June with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.violincompetition.co.nz

ENDS

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