Concert Review: Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Town Hall

Richard Lin (Taiwan/USA), Xiang Yu (China) and Sergey Malov (Russia), with Michael Hill at Auckland Town Hall. Photo / Supplied

A week ago, 18 hopeful young violinists were in Queenstown, contesting the elimination rounds of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition; on Saturday night, three were vying for top honours.

Describing this event as a biennial highlight in Auckland's concert life is rank understatement. A real buzz was about as the talented trio undertook this urbane equivalent of a gladiatorial combat.

An undeniable civic pride was also evident in hearing Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra under Arvo Volmer provide first-rate support in a demanding programme.

Chinese violinist Xiang Yu had given us finessed Beethoven in Thursday's chamber music semi-final.

On Saturday night, his Prokofiev Second Concerto, similarly treated, earned him third place.

Overall, it was impressive, but Yu did not always bring life and focus to the relentless passagework, and the Andante assai might have sung more sweetly.

Sergey Malov was a clear winner within a few pages of his Bartok Second Concerto, slinking fetchingly from its sinuous almost bluesy opening theme to volatile Magyar outbursts.

The first movement cadenza was literally note-perfect, right down to its stacks of triple-stops and the Finale a breathtaking runaway ride.

Richard Lin, the eventual runner-up, had chosen Brahms, dressing for this solid Teutonic task in a pearl-toned silk zoot suit.

The chic and elegance of it raised eyebrows but, considering the energy demands ahead, it was as practical as it was stylish.

The first movement, although bold in its gestures with moments of extraordinary power, revealed that the 19-year-old has yet to discover its balance of emotion and structure. Later, he floated the melody of the Andante as if to heaven itself while the Finale showed the same zest and fire that had already secured him a prize for performing John Psathas' Gyftiko.

After the music, there was much praising of the faith and foresight of Sir Michael Hill.

Arts Minister Christopher Finlayson went further, urging that the arts needed much more financial boosting from a similarly enlightened private sector.

Would that someone might have convinced Television New Zealand to broadcast this concert, an event that is a model of international excellence along with delivering all the thrills of a rousing test match.

MUSIC

What: Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Where: Auckland Town Hall.
When: Saturday.