Finalists Announced at New Zealand's National Music Competition

The six finalists have been announced at New Zealand's National Music Competition, being held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 2022 finalists are:

• Christine Jeon (Cello)
• Shuan Liu (Piano)
• KiHei Lee (Violin)
• Otis Prescott-Mason (Cello)
• Hyein Kim (Cello)
• Jessica Chi (Piano)

The finalists will perform for prizes in two separate divisions: the National String Competition and the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition.

Open to pianists and string players from New Zealand, the first prize winner will be awarded NZD$5,000 as well as a number of performance opportunities including a debut with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

"The Hill Family Foundation for Art and Music and the Lewis Eady Charitable Trust works to serve our promising emerging musicians. We acknowledge the profound impact the pandemic has had on this age group — it has denied not only opportunities but has in many ways influenced their income and the stamina, purpose, and drive to keep practicing."

"We applaud our competitors’ resilience in the face of ongoing deferrals, and, through grit and dogged perseverance, we will make this competition happen for them. As they say, the show must go on."

The final round will be streamed live on The Violin Channel on February 11 at 8:00 PM (ET).

The final round judge is Justine Cormack.