Aziel Verner - violin

Aziel Verner began his musical studies in Wellington, New Zealand, and completed his Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore under Professor Qian Zhou, before pursuing an Artist Diploma with Dr Robin Wilson at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. He has been a prize-winner at the Gisborne International Music Competition, the Guangya International Violin Competition, and the YSTCM Concerto Competition, and has performed around the world including New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, and Israel. Highlights include appearances with Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-Ki Joo, performing as guest first violin with the Juilliard String Quartet, and participation in international festivals such as the Singapore Violin Festival and the Keshet Eilon Summer Mastercourse, studying with artists including Shlomo Mintz, Midori Goto, Joel Smirnoff, Boris Kuschnir, and Mauricio Fuks.

Alongside his professional career in government, Aziel continues to perform regularly with orchestras around New Zealand including Orchestra Wellington, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and Hawke’s Bay Orchestra, and recently joined the New Zealand String Quartet + Orchestra Wellington in Shostakovich Unpacked (2025). He has previously served as concertmaster of the YSTCM Orchestra, the North Sydney Youth Symphony, and the Wellington Youth Orchestra, as well as playing with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.