2026 Auckland Music Festival
11th Music Competition
28th to 30th September 2026
Entry Closing Date: 23:00 23rd August, 2026
Venue: Symphonia Music Centre
Address: 57/59 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1011
APMA Result
2026 Competition Result
| 2026_apma_results.pdf |
APMA Syllabus
2026 Competition Syllabus
| 2026_apma_syllabus.pdf |
2026 Competition Program
| apma_competition_program_2026.pdf |
Adjudicator:
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Shek Wan Li,
Currently serving as the Sub-Principal violist at the Auckland Philharmonia, Hong Kong born Shek Wan Li is an accomplished muaician with extensive experience in orchestral and chamber music. Previously performing with the New World Symphony , He has also played with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. His past orchestral work includes positions with The Orchestra Now, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra as principal violist. Shek Wan was also principal violist of the New England Conservatory Orchestra. In chamber music, Shek Wan was a member of the Denali String Quartet from 2019 to 2021, enhancing their collaborative skills. As a soloist, he performed with the Hong Kong Children Symphony Orchestra during a concert tour of Europe and America in 2015, after performing with them in 2013. Throughout his career, Shek Wan has earned numerous honors, including being a finalist in the Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition and the Eastern Music Festival Concerto Competition. He was awarded Second Place in the Hong Kong Strings Scholarship for Stringed Instruments and First Place in both the Viola Solo Senior and Violin Duet categories at the 64th Hong Kong School Music Festival. Shek Wan holds a Master’s degree in Viola Performance from the Indiana University Jacob School of Music 2019-2021 and a Bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music 2015-2019. He studied with renowned violists Atar Arad, Edward Gazouleas, and Marcus Thompson, and worked with esteemed chamber music coaches, including the Borromeo and Pacifica String Quartets. He has also worked under the baton of renowned conductors such as Hugh Wolff, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Stéphane Dèneve. Shek Wan continues to thrive in the classical music world, showcasing his artistry and commitment to excellence. Beyond the orchestral realm, Shek Wan finds joy in chamber music, highlighting his versatility and collaborative spirit. With a deep desire to share the joy of music, Shek Wan envisions himself as a promoter of musical joy, spreading the transformative power of music to all they reach. |
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Justin Bird,
Justin Bird is an acclaimed pianist and pedagogue from Aotearoa, whose
fresh interpretations have garnered attention - being named the New
Zealand Young Performer of the Year and winning the Kapiti Coast National Piano Competition. His impressive musicianship has also led him to become
a finalist in several notable competitions, including the New Zealand Young Musician of the Year Competition, the MTNA National Young Artist Competition in the U.S., and the Kowhai Australasian Piano Concerto Competition.
Justin's journey in music has been marked by his studies with esteemed mentors such as Rae de Lisle, Bryan Sayer, Read Gainsford, and the
legendary André Watts at Indiana University, where he earned his Doctorate
in Music.
His teaching career progressed to Vincennes University in Indiana, and the Omaha Conservatory of Music in Nebraska. Now back in NZ, Justin teaches
at Auckland University, performs orchestral piano, celeste, and viola with multiple orchestras and ensembles, and tunes pianos.
Justin Bird is an acclaimed pianist and pedagogue from Aotearoa, whose
fresh interpretations have garnered attention - being named the New
Zealand Young Performer of the Year and winning the Kapiti Coast National Piano Competition. His impressive musicianship has also led him to become
a finalist in several notable competitions, including the New Zealand Young Musician of the Year Competition, the MTNA National Young Artist Competition in the U.S., and the Kowhai Australasian Piano Concerto Competition.
Justin's journey in music has been marked by his studies with esteemed mentors such as Rae de Lisle, Bryan Sayer, Read Gainsford, and the
legendary André Watts at Indiana University, where he earned his Doctorate
in Music.
His teaching career progressed to Vincennes University in Indiana, and the Omaha Conservatory of Music in Nebraska. Now back in NZ, Justin teaches
at Auckland University, performs orchestral piano, celeste, and viola with multiple orchestras and ensembles, and tunes pianos.
