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Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) Winner - Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2009

• Biography
• Programme One
• Programme Two

Biography

Winner of the 2009 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Josef Špaček is a rising global virtuoso. At just 23 years of age, he ranks among the foremost representatives of today's young Czech violin generation. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Josef has just completed his first year of a Master's degree at Juilliard with renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. In March 2010, Josef recorded a CD of HW Ernst works for Naxos, which was part of his prize for winning the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. The CD will be released later this year.

Josef’s two programmes weave music from diverse cultures and traditions into a stunning display of virtuosity and musicianship. These hallmarks of the violin repertoire stretch back nearly 300 years to Bach’s famous Chaconne, and forward to 20th century Slavic brilliance. Farr’s Wakatipu was written especially for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

Michael Houstoun has made a unique contribution to New Zealand music as a concert pianist and chamber musician of the highest calibre over the past thirty-five years. He performs tirelessly all over the country in recitals, with orchestras and in festivals to critical acclaim and the great delight of audiences.

Josef Špaček and Michael Houstoun are also performing regional concerts for CMNZ's Associate Societies.

Michael Hill International Violin Competition

Since 2001, the Michael Hill International Violin Competition has brought to the forefront young international violinists of breathtaking virtuosity. The competition attracts world-class violinists to serve as judges, and receives applications from 30 countries. Past winners include Joseph Lin (USA, 2001), Natalia Lomeiko (2003, Russia/NZ), Feng Ning (2005, China) and Bella Hristova (2007, Bulgaria).

The biennial competition aims to recognise and encourage excellence and musical artistry and to promote young violinists from all over the world who are on the brink of launching their professional solo careers and are aspiring to establish themselves on the world stage.

Included as part of the winner's prize is a nationwide NZ tour for Chamber Music New Zealand and a performance with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

The Nelson concert is presented in association with the 2010 Nelson Winter Music Festival.

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