Sir Michael Hill's eponymous violin competition, now in its eighth iteration, still knocks the music-loving knight off his feet.
An emotional Sir Michael wiped tears from his eyes after welcoming the 18 contestants in this year's Michael Hill International Violin Competition in Queenstown yesterday.
He told them at the Queenstown Memorial Centre yesterday he felt one or two of them would be the best in the world one day - a strong possibility if they are determined.
''I wanted to be a violinist - I was forced to go into a jewellery business.
''It was probably a logical choice for me, because I was too late. I was 11 when I started.
''I have a love for music which is indescribable.
''Hearing you play yesterday, some of you people brought me to tears.''
This year's contestants include Otago Daily Times-sponsored Mari Lee, of South Korea and Japan.
The competition's first two semifinals will be held today, tomorrow and Monday in Queenstown.
The third semifinal rounds are on Wednesday and Thursday at the Auckland Town Hall's concert chamber, which will also host next Saturday's final.
The competition was first held in 2001 and is run every two years.
