Christchurch Civic Music Council National Concerto Competition

The National Concerto Competition is still regarded as New Zealand’s most distinguished classical competition for talented musicians aged 25 years & under. It is the only one of its kind in both New Zealand & Australia & is a ‘jewel in the Crown’, but now an endangered jewel as it faces financial difficulty.

It attracts contestants from throughout NZ. Musicians choose their concertos & in the preliminary stages play a section with piano accompaniment, in a professional performance venue. They perform in front of esteemed adjudicators from the music industry. If selected for the Final, the performer plays the whole concerto with a professional orchestra on the mainstage of the Christchurch Town Hall.

The performance experience & the opportunity to play with a Symphony Orchestra & recognised Conductor are the main attractions. The competition prizes have now increased to $10,000 (1st prize), $5,000 (2nd prize) & $2,500 (3rd prize).

The competition provides an opportunity to perform & a platform to launch National & International careers. Many finalists from previous Competitions have gone on to distinguished music careers. Winners have included our Patron Michael Houstoun.

The competition costs around $140,000 per year. Funding has to be raised by the trustees. It survives on generous support from sponsors, but the Crowdfunding Page will allow for smaller contributions from those who wish to support young musicians & the future of the competition.

Thank you for your support.