The AIMC New Zealand Region

The AIMC New Zealand Region The Sound of Music - The Australian International Music Competition is more than a contest; it is a celebration of talent, creativity, and perseverance.

Concert Programme❤️Expect music from Mozart, Debussy, Chopin, Brahms, and more — all in the breathtaking setting of St M...
04/06/2025

Concert Programme❤️

Expect music from Mozart, Debussy, Chopin, Brahms, and more — all in the breathtaking setting of St Matthew In-The-City Church.

🎶✨ What an inspiring day of music and celebration! ✨🎶A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible performers, their suppo...
04/06/2025

🎶✨ What an inspiring day of music and celebration! ✨🎶

A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible performers, their supportive families, and dedicated teachers who made the Australian International Music Competition (NZ Region) such a memorable event.

From expressive piano solos and soulful string and woodwind performances to stunning ensemble moments, every note reflected passion, preparation, and artistic growth. 🌟🎹🎻🎶

Congratulations to all the participants — your hard work and courage on stage truly shone. We can’t wait to see many of you again at the Winners’ Gala Concert on 8 June! 🏆👏

Introducing our adjudicator Elizabeth Lau - Associate adjudicatorElizabeth Lau is a versatile New Zealand conductor, col...
04/06/2025

Introducing our adjudicator
Elizabeth Lau - Associate adjudicator

Elizabeth Lau is a versatile New Zealand conductor, collaborative pianist, double bassist, and music educator known for her dynamic artistry and dedication to musical excellence. She is the founder and creative director of Wairua Sinfonietta and Wairua Youth Sinfonietta, innovative orchestras bringing together emerging and professional musicians supporting global causes. A trailblazer at the University of Auckland, Elizabeth was the first to earn a Master of Music in Choral and Orchestral Conducting and also holds advanced qualifications in collaborative piano, composition, and double bass. Her mentors include Dr Karen Grylls, Uwe Grodd, and Maestro Eliano Mattiozzi Petralia. Since her conducting debut with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra in 2003, she has led major ensembles across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and Asia, with notable appearances including Auckland Choral, the APPA Symphony Orchestra, and the Suzuki International Conference Orchestra. She serves as Deputy Music Director of Bach Musica NZ and is a key member of the New Zealand Children’s Choral Academy. A committed educator and adjudicator, Elizabeth is widely sought after for leading workshops, mentoring young musicians, and judging competitions. We’re honoured to welcome her to this year’s jury panel.

Introducing our adjudicator Jonathan Cohen - Woodwind SectionJonathan Cohen is Principal Clarinet of the Auckland Philha...
04/06/2025

Introducing our adjudicator
Jonathan Cohen - Woodwind Section

Jonathan Cohen is Principal Clarinet of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, a role he’s held since 2020. A third-generation clarinettist from New Orleans, he began his studies with his father, Steve Cohen, and later earned degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. As a soloist, Jonathan has performed with orchestras such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and Louisiana Philharmonic. He spent three seasons with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has appeared at prestigious festivals including Mostly Mozart, Ravinia, and Minnesota Beethoven. His discography includes recordings for Naxos and Warner Classics with ensembles like the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Knights Chamber Orchestra. Jonathan has also been a guest artist with top-tier groups including the Bavarian Radio Symphony, Sydney Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In addition to his dynamic performing career, he is a passionate educator, currently teaching at the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato. His principal teachers include notable clarinettists such as Yehuda Gilad, Mark Nuccio, and Anthony McGill. We are honoured to welcome Jonathan to our competition jury.

Introducing our adjudicator Minglun Liu - String SectionMinglun Liu is the Principal Second Violin of the Auckland Philh...
04/06/2025

Introducing our adjudicator
Minglun Liu - String Section

Minglun Liu is the Principal Second Violin of the Auckland Philharmonia and previously held the same role with the Grammy-winning Louisville Orchestra in the U.S. He has served in concertmaster roles with several esteemed ensembles, including the New World Symphony, Stuttgart Festival Orchestra, and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra, collaborating with leading conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas and Lahav Shani. A passionate chamber musician, Minglun is the founding violinist of the Eurus String Quartet, which held residencies at Beethoven-Haus Bonn and Indiana University under the Pacifica Quartet. As a soloist, he has won top prizes at international competitions including Qing Yuan and He Nan, and appeared at the Stika Music Festival with cellist Zuill Bailey. He has performed in masterclasses and collaborations with distinguished artists like Augustin Hadelich, Gil Shaham, and the Juilliard and Takács Quartets. Minglun holds a Master’s degree and Performer Diploma from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with Mark Kaplan on a full scholarship. His earlier training includes the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Minglun brings a wealth of international experience and artistry to our jury panel.

Introducing our adjudicatorDr Rae De Lisle - Piano Section Dr Rae de Lisle, MNZM, is one of New Zealand’s most influenti...
04/06/2025

Introducing our adjudicator
Dr Rae De Lisle - Piano Section

Dr Rae de Lisle, MNZM, is one of New Zealand’s most influential piano pedagogues, widely known for her long-standing role as Associate Professor and Head of Piano at the University of Auckland. Her students have won every major New Zealand piano competition and gained international recognition at events such as the Sydney International Piano Competition, Lev Vlassenko Australasian Piano Competition, and competitions in New York and Europe. Rae is Artistic Director of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition and Festival, and an internationally respected adjudicator, having served on juries for the Dublin and Gina Bachauer competitions, among others. Her groundbreaking PhD on focal dystonia has influenced instrumental retraining globally, with her published work and presentations shaping modern approaches to injury-preventative technique. Rae has interviewed and studied with legendary pedagogues across the globe, informing her highly regarded book and video course Fit 4 Piano, now used internationally. Her expertise spans from beginners to elite performers, grounded in a holistic, healthy approach to piano playing. In 2015, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music. We are deeply honoured to have Dr de Lisle on our jury panel.

🎶 Exciting Opportunity for Young Musicians! 🎶Join us for the 2nd Australian International Music Competition (NZ Region)—...
08/04/2025

🎶 Exciting Opportunity for Young Musicians! 🎶

Join us for the 2nd Australian International Music Competition (NZ Region)—a celebration of talent, creativity, and perseverance! This vibrant competition invites young musicians aged 6 to 25 to showcase their skills and passion in three categories:

✨ Piano | Strings | Woodwinds ✨

🏆 Competition Levels: Junior, Intermediate, and Professional classes, each offering unique opportunities:

Junior Class: NZ Year 1-8, perform one piece (max 5 mins). Awards include Gold, Silver, and Bronze certificates and a special Most Promising Pianist award.

Intermediate Class: Ages 13-15, two contrasting pieces (max 12 mins). Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, plus Highly Recommended and Recommended Awards.

Emerging Artist Class: Ages 16-25, perform a program including a classical sonata or concerto movement (30-35 mins). Top winners earn a concerto performance with Wairua Sinfonietta and a recital at Blockhouse Bay School of Music in 2026!

📅 Competition Dates: 31 May - 1 June 2025
📍 Venue: Mt Albert Methodist Church, Auckland
🎉 NZ Regional Winner Gala Concert: 8 June at St Matthew-in-the-City

Registration: Open from 20 March to 11 May 2025.

Jury Chairman: Rae de Lisle
Official Piano Accompanist: James Liu (Accompaniment packages available)

👉 Register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QM_f6DwDKkZh4IUoB3HhyM-CPtBkXT7tZyl7AooyT9g/preview

📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Embrace the stage, create lifelong memories, and let your talent shine! 🌟

🎵 Calling all young musicians! 🎵Join us for the 2nd Australian International Music Competition (NZ Region), showcasing e...
08/04/2025

🎵 Calling all young musicians! 🎵

Join us for the 2nd Australian International Music Competition (NZ Region), showcasing exceptional talents in:

✨ Piano
✨ Strings
✨ Woodwinds

📅 31 May - 1 June 2025📍 Mt Albert Methodist Church, Auckland

Winner Gala Concert: 8 June 2025, at St Matthew In-The-City

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to perform, grow, and shine under the guidance of our esteemed Jury Chairman, Rae de Lisle!

👉 Registration is now open!

🗓️ Register between 20 March – 11 May 2025

Scan the QR code or visit our website for more information and registration details.

Let's celebrate your musical journey together! 🎶🌟

Address

509 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay
Auckland
0600

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