The semifinalists, already hailed as winners for being selected by world-class judges out of hundreds of entries, walked into the Queenstown Memorial Centre for a powhiri, speeches and the draw to determine the order of players.
Sir Michael told the audience of contestants, host families, trustees, judges, sponsors and supporters he envied the ''amazing talent'' of the violinists.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden hailed the violin competition as ''one of New Zealand's most anticipated cultural events'' and added it was ''a cornerstone of the musical foundation of the district''.
Among the violinists is Ioana Goicea (20), of Romania, sponsored by the Otago Daily Times. She is on her first trip to New Zealand and is one to watch, Sir Michael said.
Ms Goicea, a violinist since the age of 5, was in Germany when she heard about the competition and pursued a place in the semifinals.
''I'm confident. I really want to do my best,'' she said.
''I'm not thinking it's a competition. Of course, everything has to be perfect, but I'm just here to make lovely music.''
This year's competition will be the first inside the former Memorial Hall and the upgraded Memorial Centre is already earning plaudits from professional violinists for its vastly improved acoustics.
Over the next three days, Queenstown audiences will hear all 18 violinists run the gauntlet of Bach, Mozart, Paganini and a new work by New Zealand composer Jack Body, as well as attend ''insider's guides'' hosted by NZTrio violinist Dr Justine Cormack on how the violin works, why Bach and Mozart are the ultimate test and the virtuosity of ''Paganini and the NZ composition''.
In Auckland from Wednesday, audiences will hear cutting-edge piano trio performances and witness highly energised concerti. The announcement of prizes is on June 8. The top prize includes $40,000, a tour of New Zealand and a recording on the Atoll label.
