Australian violinists will be strongly represented at the 2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, with four locals named among the 16 quarter-finalists announced for the event’s 25th-anniversary edition – the first since the death of its founder, jeweller and retailer Sir Michael Hill in July 2025.

Sydney/Berlin-based Beatrice Colombis, Perth’s Emmalena Huning, Brisbane/Berlin violinist Leanne McGowan and Melbourne-based Dindin Jingyi Wang will compete in the prestigious New Zealand competition, held in Queenstown and Auckland from 29 May to 6 June 2026. Melbourne violinist Yebin Yoo has also been named as one of six alternates.

Clockwise from top left: Beatrice Colombis, Leanne McGowan, Emmalena Huning and Dindin Jingyi Wang

Supported by the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, the competition attracts emerging violinists from around the world. This year’s quarter-finalists span Asia, Europe, North America and Australasia, with Berlin particularly prominent as a current base for many of the selected players.

The winner will receive NZ$40,000, a recording contract with Atoll Records, and a multi-centre Winner’s Tour presented by Chamber Music New Zealand and the Auckland Philharmonia. Additional awards include prizes for best...