Nikki in final

Canadian violinist Nikki Chooi (pictured) won first prize at the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, which concluded in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday 8 June. Chooi, 24, who studies with Ida Kavafian and Donald Weilerstein at the Juilliard School, received NZ$40,000 (£20,000).

Second prize went to Sarah Christian from Germany, who also won the Chamber Music Prize. Boson Mo, from Canada, took third prize.

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition has been held every two years since 2001. This year's competition featured performances in Queenstown by 18 semi-finalists, before the top six went on to play piano trios in Auckland, with the final three then selected for the grand final.

photo: Simon Darby

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