June 2023 (Queenstown and Auckland, New Zealand) Violinist Bella Hristova was invited to be on the jury of the 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition this June. Marking the first competition post-pandemic, three previous winners were invited to be on the panel: Bella, Natalia Lomeiko and Feng Ning; who were joined by James Ehnes, Piers Lane, Anthony Marwood, and Wilma Smith. The MHIVC First Prize provides a substantial cash prize, a recording on the Atoll label, a personalized professional development program, a Michael Hill gold and diamond pendant, and an invaluable Winner's Tour of New Zealnd and Australia.

During her time in Auckland, Bella also performed Haydn Violin Concerto in C Major as a part of the competition's Auckland String Sessions, a program curated by New Zealand String Quartet's Helene Pohl.