Prizewinners Announced at the New Zealand National String Competition

14-year-old violinist Hayden Chiu was named as the overall winner, and receives a $5000 NZD, a solo recital, and an appearance with the Auckland Philharmonia

The second edition of New Zealand's National String Competition, which was held from December 14 to 16 in Auckland, has recently come to a close. Fifteen string players aged 25 or younger were selected for the semi-finals, with three proceeding to the Grand Final.

14-year-old violinist Hayden Chiu was named as the overall winner of the competition. A student at Auckland Grammar School, Chiu is currently studying with Stephen Larsen and Robin Wilson. Chiu receives a cash prize of $5000 NZD, as well as a solo recital at Lewis Eady Steinway Showroom and a performance opportunity with the Auckland Philharmonia.

Second Prize went to Sarah Lee (violin), who received $3000, and Third Prize of $1000 went to cellist Ryan Yeh, also of Auckland.

Cellist Hyun Jae Lee (Auckland) received $1,000 donated by the Auckland Branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers for Best Performance of a Classical Sonata,

Hayden Chiu also won the prize for Best Performance of a New Zealand Work, and he will receive an additional $500 donated by SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music.

In 2024, the competition jury comprised Dene Olding and Dr Paul Rickard-Ford.

The National String Competition ran in tandem with the Chiron Lewis Eady National Piano Competition, and in 2024 this competition was won by 13-year-old Alex Bai — with Henry Meng receiving Second Prize, and Madeleine Xiao receiving Third Prize and the award for Best Performance of a Classical Sonata.