Upcoming Events

Celebrate and learn about Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Experience events around the city from 13-26 July.

Ahi Kā – Fri 17- Sun 26 July

Large scale projection show on Te Papa Tongarewa (17, 18, 19 and 23, 24, 25, 26 July)

Matariki narrative, Mana Moana showcase on a big screen in Odlins Plaza

Live performances featuring local traditional and contemporary artists, fire and kai in Odlins Plaza (Fri 17, Sat 18, Fri 24, Sat 25 July from 4pm to 8pm).

Nau Mai Haere Mai! See you all there!

Mana Moana Digital Ocean

Digital open access arts project from 18 leading Māori and Pasifika artists

To be streamed online and available beyond Matariki.

Mana Tangata Matariki Korero from 13 July

An educational and informative free Zoom series featuring local iwi and Māori from around the Motu sharing knowledge and kaupapa Māori

Live streamed via Council’s YouTube/Facebook channels.

Tūrama – 20-23 July

Pillars of light representing reflection, remembrance and renewal will move through suburban Wellington over the course of four nights, arriving at the Ahi Kā site in Circa Plaza on Friday 24 July

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Hamish McKeich | Conductor
Andrew Beer | Violin

Lilburn | A Song of Islands
Szymanowski | Violin Concerto No. 2
Sibelius | Symphony No. 2

The concert opens with Lilburn’s A Song of Islands, being performed by the APO for the first time. Written by the New Zealand composer in 1946, it is said to portray the spirit of our country, the remoteness of our islands and the otherworldly ambience of our landscapes.

APO concertmaster Andrew Beer then steps into the spotlight for Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto. This is a bright, sunny work that will give Andrew plenty of opportunities to shine.

Rounding off the evening is Sibelius’s beautiful and life affirming Second Symphony, a favourite with audiences. This is warm and expansive music which ends in exultation.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Anna Leese | soprano
Maaike Beekman | mezzo
Manase Latu | tenor
Robert Tucker | baritone
Kirsten Robertson | piano

Featuring:

“Sure on this Shining Night”
Beethoven | Collection of songs
Mahler | 'Lieder' from Des Knaben Wunderhorn
Works by American and New Zealand composers: Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Morten Lauridsen, Anthony Ritchie and Bic Runga

Internationally acclaimed soprano Anna Leese returns to Waikanae with the Tākiri Ensemble, an exciting vocal ensemble of New Zealand musicians – four opera singers and a pianist.

Anna is one of this country’s most successful sopranos. Since her debut at the 2006 BBC Proms, she has sung at Covent Garden, the Royal Albert Hall and has performed for the Canadian Opera Company, Opera Köln, Flanders Opera, Opera Holland Park and our own New Zealand Opera.

She will be joined by experienced mezzo-soprano Maaike Beekman, who has performed widely in Europe and New Zealand.

Relatively new to the group is Tongan tenor Manase Latu. He studied music at the University of Auckland, and has won several competitions, including the 2018 New Zealand Aria. He was a finalist in the 2018 Lexus Song Quest and, most recently, won the 2019 Australian Singing Competition.

Baritone Robert Tucker sang opera professionally in England and Japan before returning to New Zealand where he appears regularly with New Zealand Opera.

Kirsten Robertson, one of this country’s most experienced vocal accompanists, has worked with such greats as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major.

The programme will include solos, duos and ensembles by a wide variety of composers.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

This concert is presented in association with Chamber Music Wanganui.

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Amalia Hall | violin
Stephen De Pledge | piano

Beethoven | Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op 24, “Spring”
Gao Ping | Bitter Cold Night
Gershwin (arr. Heifetz) | Three Preludes
Mozart | Violin Sonata No. 19 in E flat major, K 302
Saint-Saëns | Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, op 75

Prize-winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Amalia Hall, and beloved New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge come together for a concert of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin and Saint-Saëns. This is a celebration of the beauty of the violin and piano, and a chance to support New Zealand’s exciting young talent.

Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, New Zealander Amalia Hall has received widespread acclaim for her ability to move audiences with her “sumptuous and sweet tone”, inherent musicality and natural facility. At the age of 9 Amalia made her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia; in her teens she won all of the major national awards in New Zealand, including the NZCT Chamber Music Contest on two occasions and the Gisborne International Music Competition at the age of 16. She further won multiple laureate prizes at international competitions, including the Joseph Joachim Competition and Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal in his final year. After winning the NFMS Young Concert Artist Award he made his debuts in the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square in London, and broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and BBC2 television. His concerto performances have included appearances with the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, New London, BBC Scottish Symphony and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras. His solo performances in recent seasons have taken him to Cologne, Paris and New York, as well as throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Lucien Johnson | tenor saxophone
Jonathan Crayford | piano
Tom Callwood | double bass
Cory Champion | drums

Programme:
A set of original compositions from Lucien’s 2017 album West of the Sun and new material from his upcoming album Kairangi, complemented by interpretations of traditional waiata.

Lucien Johnson is an award winning musician who has been described as “a saxophonist and composer of rare excellence and mettle” (Wellington Jazz Festival), as “a miraculous musician” (Radio NZ) and as “a composer and arranger of supreme skill” (Dominion Post). He is joined in this quartet by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians: celebrated pianist Jonathan Crayford; and Tom Callwood, eminent double bassist for groups such as The Phoenix Foundation and Little Bushman; and rising star Cory Champion on the drums.

Lucien’s compositions reflective of some of the places that he has lived in and travelled to: France, Haiti, Ethiopia and of course, some reflections on our own wonderful country and musical heritage. Included in the set are two traditional waiata which Lucien will reinterpret. As a recent recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency he will be returning from New York for the tour and looks forward to seeing how this experience will influence the music.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | electric cello

Brahms (orch. Parlow) | Hungarian Dance Nos. 5 & 6
Composer TBC | Solo work for electric cello
Stravinsky | Danses Concertantes
Maria Grenfell | Clockwerk
WA Mozart | Idomeneo Ballet Music

New Zealand conductor Gemma New leads the NZSO in a concert full of rhythm and dance.

Originally written for piano, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances evokes the spirit of the travelling gypsy bands that served as the inspiration for this music, while Schulhoff’s Suite für Kammerorchester is reminiscent of 1920’s jazz.

Acclaimed cellist Johannes Moser brings something different to his performance as he presents a solo work for electric cello, an instrument that allows him to add new textures and effects to his performance.

Stravinsky originally wrote Danses Concertantes for the concert hall, but it wouldn’t feel out of place as a ballet. The rhythms, syncopation and structure of the piece led to it being choreographed several times, first in 1944 by acclaimed choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine.

Maria Grenfell's Clockwerk, with its fugal structure, introduces the different string sections of the Orchestra. The feeling of the work changes often before ending on a driving, accelerating end.

Written when he was just 24, Idomeneo is considered one of Mozart’s first great operas. Dance was a large part of opera at the time and the selection of works performed from this opera shows the young genius’ talent as a composer and adaptability to the style.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | cello

Robin Toan | Tū-mata-uenga "God of War, Spirit of Man"
Elgar | Cello Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 6 'Pathétique'

A former Conducting Fellow under the mentorship of LA Philharmonic’s Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, New Zealander Gemma New has lead performances at Carnegie Hall and with the symphony orchestras of San Diego, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. You will look forward to her intelligent interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, 'Pathétique' – the vehicle par excellence for expressivity and emotion.

Johannes Moser also returns for the concert. His third time performing with the NZSO, Moser’s easy-going demeanour belies his intensely lyrical playing and superb musicianship.

Written in 2005 as the first NYO Composer-in-Residence commission, Robin Toan’s Tū-mata-uenga “God of War, Spirit of Man” was inspired by the Māori story of creation.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | cello

Robin Toan | Tū-mata-uenga "God of War, Spirit of Man"
Elgar | Cello Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 6 'Pathétique'

A former Conducting Fellow under the mentorship of LA Philharmonic’s Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, New Zealander Gemma New has lead performances at Carnegie Hall and with the symphony orchestras of San Diego, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. You will look forward to her intelligent interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, 'Pathétique' – the vehicle par excellence for expressivity and emotion.

Johannes Moser also returns for the concert. His third time performing with the NZSO, Moser’s easy-going demeanour belies his intensely lyrical playing and superb musicianship.

Written in 2005 as the first NYO Composer-in-Residence commission, Robin Toan’s Tū-mata-uenga “God of War, Spirit of Man” was inspired by the Māori story of creation.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | cello

Robin Toan | Tū-mata-uenga "God of War, Spirit of Man"
Elgar | Cello Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 6 'Pathétique'

A former Conducting Fellow under the mentorship of LA Philharmonic’s Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, New Zealander Gemma New has lead performances at Carnegie Hall and with the symphony orchestras of San Diego, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. You will look forward to her intelligent interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, 'Pathétique' – the vehicle par excellence for expressivity and emotion.

Johannes Moser also returns for the concert. His third time performing with the NZSO, Moser’s easy-going demeanour belies his intensely lyrical playing and superb musicianship.

Written in 2005 as the first NYO Composer-in-Residence commission, Robin Toan’s Tū-mata-uenga “God of War, Spirit of Man” was inspired by the Māori story of creation.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | electric cello

Brahms (orch. Parlow) | Hungarian Dance Nos. 5 & 6
Composer TBC | Solo work for electric cello
Stravinsky | Danses Concertantes
Maria Grenfell | Clockwerk
WA Mozart | Idomeneo Ballet Music

New Zealand conductor Gemma New leads the NZSO in a concert full of rhythm and dance.

Originally written for piano, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances evokes the spirit of the travelling gypsy bands that served as the inspiration for this music, while Schulhoff’s Suite für Kammerorchester is reminiscent of 1920’s jazz.

Acclaimed cellist Johannes Moser brings something different to his performance as he presents a solo work for electric cello, an instrument that allows him to add new textures and effects to his performance.

Stravinsky originally wrote Danses Concertantes for the concert hall, but it wouldn’t feel out of place as a ballet. The rhythms, syncopation and structure of the piece led to it being choreographed several times, first in 1944 by acclaimed choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine.

Maria Grenfell's Clockwerk, with its fugal structure, introduces the different string sections of the Orchestra. The feeling of the work changes often before ending on a driving, accelerating end.

Written when he was just 24, Idomeneo is considered one of Mozart’s first great operas. Dance was a large part of opera at the time and the selection of works performed from this opera shows the young genius’ talent as a composer and adaptability to the style.

From the sublime to the ridiculous. This event offers concert presentations of two operas – Purcell's timeliness Dido and Aeneas, and the Christchurch premiere of the sharp-witted The Pleasure Garden: all about the Christchurch City Council and its controversial purchase of a painting by Frances Hodgkins.

Music by Philip Norman, and libretto by AK Grant, this will be the Christchurch premiere.

Co-presented with The Opera Club, Christchurch.

Gemma New | conductor
Johannes Moser | cello

Robin Toan | Tū-mata-uenga "God of War, Spirit of Man"
Elgar | Cello Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 6 'Pathétique'

A former Conducting Fellow under the mentorship of LA Philharmonic’s Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, New Zealander Gemma New has lead performances at Carnegie Hall and with the symphony orchestras of San Diego, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. You will look forward to her intelligent interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, 'Pathétique' – the vehicle par excellence for expressivity and emotion.

Johannes Moser also returns for the concert. His third time performing with the NZSO, Moser’s easy-going demeanour belies his intensely lyrical playing and superb musicianship.

Written in 2005 as the first NYO Composer-in-Residence commission, Robin Toan’s Tū-mata-uenga “God of War, Spirit of Man” was inspired by the Māori story of creation.

Chris Cree Brown | Memories Apart
Igor Stravinsky | Ragtime for Eleven Musicians
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Adagio molto for harp and string quartet
Elena Kats-Chernin | Hemispheres
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet

This series is presented in the Ron Ball Studio situated in the CSO’s new home within the Town Hall. Celebrating the talents of the musicians of the orchestra, each one hour programme is carefully curated to explore the different sounds of an orchestra in an up-close and intimate setting.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya | conductor
Augustin Hadelich | violin

Anthony Ritchie | Remember Parihaka
Sibelius | Violin Concerto
Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'

Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya is a familiar face to New Zealand audiences, returning to conduct an offering of time-tested classics.

Anthony Ritchie was inspired to write Remember Parihaka as testament to the plight of Māori at Parihaka, forcibly removed from their Pā, unjustly arrested and imprisoned in 1881.

Augustin Hadelich, one of this generation’s greatest violinists, performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. After a disastrous premiere, Sibelius reworked the concerto substantially, removing some of its most difficult sections. Even in this more commonly played revised version, the Concerto remains one of the most difficult works written for violin – while still retaining the power to move, inspire and exhilarate.

Beethoven’s Third Symphony also looms large as a great work. Its effect on 19th-century classical music was cataclysmic; after the Third, the symphony as a form was never the same again.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya | conductor
Augustin Hadelich | violin

Anthony Ritchie | Remember Parihaka
Sibelius | Violin Concerto
Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'

Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya is a familiar face to New Zealand audiences, returning to conduct an offering of time-tested classics.

Anthony Ritchie was inspired to write Remember Parihaka as testament to the plight of Māori at Parihaka, forcibly removed from their Pā, unjustly arrested and imprisoned in 1881.

Augustin Hadelich, one of this generation’s greatest violinists, performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. After a disastrous premiere, Sibelius reworked the concerto substantially, removing some of its most difficult sections. Even in this more commonly played revised version, the Concerto remains one of the most difficult works written for violin – while still retaining the power to move, inspire and exhilarate.

Beethoven’s Third Symphony also looms large as a great work. Its effect on 19th-century classical music was cataclysmic; after the Third, the symphony as a form was never the same again.

Benjamin Northey | chief conductor
Michael Houstoun | piano
Anthony Ferner | flute

Claude Debussy | Lindaraja (arr. Bill Hopkins) *
Felix Mendelssohn | Symphony No 4 “Italian”
Francis Poulenc | Cantilena for Flute (arr. Chris Cree Brown)
Johannes Brahms | Concerto No. 1 for Piano

* NZ premiere

Mendelssohn’s fourth symphony is bursting with exuberance and youthful energy. Inspired by his travels around Italy, it is characterised by bright, sunny melodies and an uplifting freshness.

Also featuring in this programme are two exquisite miniatures, Debussy’s Lindaraja, originally composed for two pianos, and Poulenc’s Cantilena both re-imagined in sensitive arrangements for orchestra.

New Zealand’s foremost pianist, Michael Houstoun, joins the CSO to perform Brahms' magnificent first piano concerto in his final performance with the CSO as he farewells the concert platform.

Gemma New | conductor
Simon Tedeschi | piano

Salina Fisher | Rainphase
Gershwin | Concerto in F
Copland | Symphony No.3

Jazz, blues and the American century.

Young New Zealand conductor Gemma New makes her MSO debut with a stunning collection of American greats.

It was one day after the raging success of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue that he was approached to write a “real piano concerto”, something closer to the traditional classical model and orchestrated by the composer himself. Rather than turn his back on the then current musical forms, Gershwin decided to incorporate them. The result was Concerto in F, a work that ranges effortlessly over different musical structures, to create something truly wonderful and unique. Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi joins the MSO for this performance.

There are suggestions of the Charleston, ragtime, jazz and blues throughout the work, and flexibility in the way these elements emerge from one another. Unsurprising from the composer of Porgy and Bess, which refused to conform to set notions of opera or musical theatre, and An American in Paris, which is as much a ballet and a musical. The Concerto in F is likewise a masterful, consummate fusion.

Accompanying this work is Copland’s Symphony No.3, another pillar of 20th century American composition. A grand and stirring work, composed between 1944 and 1946, it suggests the mammoth achievements of the United States at the close of WWII without a hint of triumphalism.

New Zealand conductor Gemma New brings with her a work by fellow New Zealander Salina Fisher, Rainphase. Inspired by the rain falling on the city of Wellington, it is sonically adventurous and beautifully evocative.

Giordano Bellincampi | Conductor
Ingrid Fliter | Piano

Leonie Holmes | New work
Schumann | Piano Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No.4

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony opens with a stark fanfare which, Tchaikovsky said, represented ‘Fate, that ominous power’, adding ‘There is no alternative but to submit to Fate’. His friend and patron, Mme von Meck, heard ‘profound, terrifying despair’ in this music. True, but it has also passion, drama and ultimately catharsis.

The superb pianist Ingrid Fliter returns with Schumann’s ineffably poetic concerto, and to open the concert, a new work from the multifaceted Auckland composer, and former APO composer-in-residence, Leonie Holmes.

Hamish McKeich | conductor

Eisler | Kleine Sinfonie
Simon Eastwood | Quanta
Weill (arr. Bruckner-Ruggerberg) | Suite from Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
Satie (arr. Debussy) | Gymnopédies Nos. 1 & 3
Schreker | Kammersymphonie

The final Shed Series concert of 2020 celebrates some of the weird and wonderful music linked to the flourishing cabaret scene of the 1920s and 30s and which continues to inspire composers and delight audiences today.

Austrian composer Hanns Eisler also worked with Weill, and the concert features his sweeping and engrossing Kleine Sinfonie before New Zealand composer Simon Eastwood’s Quanta.

Kurt Weill is best known for his cabaret-era songs with librettist Bertolt Brecht. His Suite from Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny (Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny) is a stunning arrangement by Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg. Rarely performed in New Zealand, it features banjo, bass guitar, saxophone and more, alongside orchestral instruments, to capture the essence of Weill and Brecht’s hit 1930 opera.

Shed Series 2020 concludes with Claude Debussy’s orchestral arrangement of fellow Frenchman Eric Satie’s timeless and hugely influential Gymnopédies Nos. 1 & 3 and Austrian Franz Schreker‘s Kammersymphonie. Written in 1916 Kammersymphonie was ahead of its time and remains a heartfelt and emotive work, anticipating orchestral music’s wide use in film.

Juanita Hepi | artistic director
Danny Syme | co-director/head trainer
Hamish Oliver | composer

Tūmahana: Exchange is a bilingual (Te Reo Māori and English) performance that offers a glimpse into a past where generations of our tīpuna and ancestors have made their homes in and around the Ngāi Tahu takiwā of Te Waipounamu.

This all ages performance weaves theatre, aerial and visual arts, acrobatics, Toi Māori and Tāonga Pūoro with orchestral music in collaboration with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Christchurch Circus Collective and CSO.