Upcoming Events

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

REFLECTION - Akaroa
Meditations on our place in the world.

Programme One:

Natalie Hunt | Matariki
Anton Webern | Quartet 1905
Franz Joseph Haydn | String Quartet in D Major Op. 20, No. 4
Benjamin Britten | Three Divertimenti

Schumann: Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, III & IV
Squire: Der Tanz
William Bolcom: Trio
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat, Op. 100

The story continues with the luscious trio arrangement of Schumann’s melodious miniatures dedicated to his music teacher Friedrich Wieck before we return home to the sounds of Aotearoa in Tabea Squire’s newest work. Bolcom’s trio celebrates the music of our time in a whirlwind journey, turbulent with autumnal and Hispanic-jazzy tones contrasted with other-worldly serenity. Finally, we experience Schubert at the height of his artistry in his marvellous E-flat trio, acclaimed by Schumann as ‘an angry meteor blazing forth and outshining everything in the musical atmosphere of the time’. Brace yourselves for this epic musical panorama – the whole gamut of human emotion is conveyed in just four movements.

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

REGENERATION - Christchurch
From darkness and loss come new beginnings.

Programme Two:

Lyell Cresswell | Capricci: Bergamasca, Galop & Courante
Grażyna Bacewicz | String Quartet No.5
Robert Schumann | String Quartet in a minor, Op.44, No. 1

*Programme Two is dedicated to the moery of Lyell Cresswell, cherished collaborator and friend.

Dvořák | String Quartet No 12 ‘American’ Bartok - String Quartet No 4
Alfred Hill | String Quartet No 11
Claire Cowan | Sweet Suite

We welcome back Jade String Quartet, one of New Zealand’s most established chamber ensembles. This one-off concert celebrates classic works from European composers Antonín Dvořák and Béla Bartók, as well as contemporary compositions from musicians closer to home — Alfred Hill and Claire Cowan.

Fabian Russell - Conductor

David Mason: NYO Composer-in-Residence New Commission
Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber
Mahler: Symphony No. 1 Titan

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

REFLECTION - Tauranga
Meditations on our place in the world.

Programme One:

Natalie Hunt | Matariki
Anton Webern | Quartet 1905
Franz Joseph Haydn | String Quartet in D Major Op. 20, No. 4
Benjamin Britten | Three Divertimenti

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

RELEASE - Napier
Looking to the first light of a new dawn.

Programme Three:

W.A. Mozart | Quartet in B Flat Major K 458 "The Hunt"
William Walton | String Quartet in a minor
David Flynn | “Slip” from Quartet, no. 2

“Tararua draw on personal history, the inspiration of ancient stories and knowledge, and the dark beauty of this country”

Ariana Tikao - vocals and taonga pūoro
Ruby Solly - taonga pūoro, cello
Phil Boniface - double bass
Alistair Fraser - taonga pūoro
Louise Pōtiki Bryant - digital imagery

BIRD LIKE MEN will include music from Tararua’s album of the same name

Drawing inspiration from Māori rock art depictions of bird people at the Maerewhenua site in Otago, whānau manuscripts of Tikao and kōrero from Kāi Tahu Whānui, Bird Like Men is a contemplation on migration and travel and the deeply embedded desire that draws us to return to our spiritual homelands.

This multimedia performance brings together the artistry of Ariana Tikao, Ruby Solly, Al Fraser and Phil Boniface with visual artist, Louise Pōtiki Bryant, weaving together sound worlds from both te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā. Tararua’s evocative music combines taonga pūoro, waiata, karakia and pūrākau (story) with a strong southern Māori influence, partnered with the western instrumental elements of the cello and double bass.

Fabian Russell - Conductor

David Mason: NYO Composer-in-Residence New Commission
Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber
Mahler: Symphony No. 1 Titan

Katherine Austin | piano
Lara Hall | violin
James Tennant | cello

Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio in Eb minor
Bright Sheng | Piano Trio in 4 Movements
Janet Jennings | ‘Persephone in the Underworld’ (World Premiere)
Babajanian | Trio in F# minor

A glorious programme of delightful works with a serious undertone. The highlight will be the world premiere of a brand-new composition by Janet Jennings, Persephone in the Underworld.

This is the third piece commissioned by New Zealand Chamber Soloists, celebrating New Zealand women composers as seven of them compose a seven-minute piano trio which is premiered at Auckland Town Hall.

Our internationally awarded national choir for secondary school singers is heading South! Bringing our “infectious joy for music-making”, the choir will present a wide range of music from classical choral to gospel, jazz, modern, and music from New Zealand and the Pacific – repertoire from Eric Whitacre, Antonio Lotti, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Puanaki whānau, David N Childs and crowd favourite, a bit of toe-tapping Toto!

The choir of 53 singers, selected at nationwide auditions, join for a two year cycle of which this is the final event.

“The repertoire that we sing in this choir is so diverse and fresh. It’s not that choral music you’d expect. The choir is one of the best sounding in Aotearoa, and we have so much fun performing the pieces. Anyone who sings in choirs or just for fun as a hobby should come and hear us perform”

Christchurch-based Music Director Sue Densem has been with the NZSSC since 2019, through the “COVID years” and has faced a lot of disruption, including two cancelled international tours. The Southern Stars Tour stands in place of the NZSSC’s tour to Tasmania, with ticketed concerts in Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch and Wānaka, and casual performances at Aoraki Mt Cook and Queenstown.

Bring the whole family – under 12s are free, and concessions available.

“The audience was enthralled and totally absorbed in everything they heard and saw, from start to finish. … Little wonder that the audience was on its feet at the end in a prolonged standing ovation in appreciation of a superb concert where all the singers continually projected the pleasure they gained from singing and sharing this with an appreciative audience.” – Hawke’s Bay Today

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

REGENERATION - Wellington (Public Trust Building)
From darkness and loss come new beginnings.

Programme Two:

Lyell Cresswell | Capricci: Bergamasca, Galop & Courante
Grażyna Bacewicz | String Quartet No.5
Robert Schumann | String Quartet in a minor, Op.44, No. 1

*Programme Two is dedicated to the memory of Lyell Cresswell, cherished collaborator and friend.

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

REGENERATION - Nelson
From darkness and loss come new beginnings.

Programme Two:

Lyell Cresswell | Capricci: Bergamasca, Galop & Courante
Grażyna Bacewicz | String Quartet No.5
Robert Schumann | String Quartet in a minor, Op.44, No. 1

*Programme Two is dedicated to the memory of Lyell Cresswell, cherished collaborator and friend.

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

Two Programmes in one day:

REFLECTION - Blenheim 1pm
Meditations on our place in the world.

Programme One:

Natalie Hunt | Matariki
Anton Webern | Quartet 1905
Franz Joseph Haydn | String Quartet in D Major Op. 20, No. 4
Benjamin Britten | Three Divertimenti

RELEASE - Blenheim 4pm
Looking to the first light of a new dawn.

Programme Three:

W.A. Mozart | Quartet in B Flat Major K 458 "The Hunt"
William Walton | String Quartet in a minor
David Flynn | “Slip” from Quartet, no. 2

Schumann: Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, III & IV
Squire: Der Tanz
William Bolcom: Trio
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat, Op. 100

The story continues with the luscious trio arrangement of Schumann’s melodious miniatures dedicated to his music teacher Friedrich Wieck before we return home to the sounds of Aotearoa in Tabea Squire’s newest work. Bolcom’s trio celebrates the music of our time in a whirlwind journey, turbulent with autumnal and Hispanic-jazzy tones contrasted with other-worldly serenity. Finally, we experience Schubert at the height of his artistry in his marvellous E-flat trio, acclaimed by Schumann as ‘an angry meteor blazing forth and outshining everything in the musical atmosphere of the time’. Brace yourselves for this epic musical panorama – the whole gamut of human emotion is conveyed in just four movements.

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

RELEASE - Hamilton
Looking to the first light of a new dawn.

Programme Three:

W.A. Mozart | Quartet in B Flat Major K 458 "The Hunt"
William Walton | String Quartet in a minor
David Flynn | “Slip” from Quartet, no. 2

1 hour short concert version:

Schumann: Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, III & IV
Squire: Der Tanz
William Bolcom: Trio
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat, Op. 100

The story continues with the luscious trio arrangement of Schumann’s melodious miniatures dedicated to his music teacher Friedrich Wieck before we return home to the sounds of Aotearoa in Tabea Squire’s newest work. Bolcom’s trio celebrates the music of our time in a whirlwind journey, turbulent with autumnal and Hispanic-jazzy tones contrasted with other-worldly serenity. Finally, we experience Schubert at the height of his artistry in his marvellous E-flat trio, acclaimed by Schumann as ‘an angry meteor blazing forth and outshining everything in the musical atmosphere of the time’. Brace yourselves for this epic musical panorama – the whole gamut of human emotion is conveyed in just four movements.

“Tararua draw on personal history, the inspiration of ancient stories and knowledge, and the dark beauty of this country”

Ariana Tikao - vocals and taonga pūoro
Ruby Solly - taonga pūoro, cello
Phil Boniface - double bass
Alistair Fraser - taonga pūoro
Louise Pōtiki Bryant - digital imagery

BIRD LIKE MEN will include music from Tararua’s album of the same name

Drawing inspiration from Māori rock art depictions of bird people at the Maerewhenua site in Otago, whānau manuscripts of Tikao and kōrero from Kāi Tahu Whānui, Bird Like Men is a contemplation on migration and travel and the deeply embedded desire that draws us to return to our spiritual homelands.

This multimedia performance brings together the artistry of Ariana Tikao, Ruby Solly, Al Fraser and Phil Boniface with visual artist, Louise Pōtiki Bryant, weaving together sound worlds from both te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā. Tararua’s evocative music combines taonga pūoro, waiata, karakia and pūrākau (story) with a strong southern Māori influence, partnered with the western instrumental elements of the cello and double bass.

FIRST LIGHT
Reflection, Regeneration, Release

Join us this June and July for three thoughtfully curated programmes reflecting on our place in this world - meditating on life, loss and rebirth as we mark the first-ever official public holiday dedicated to Matariki, Māori new year.

Familiar favourites by Haydn, Schumann and Mozart are given fresh perspectives, paired beautifully with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.

Two Programmes in one day:

REFLECTION - Wellington (Hunter Council Chamber) 2:30pm
Meditations on our place in the world.

Programme One:

Natalie Hunt | Matariki
Anton Webern | Quartet 1905
Franz Joseph Haydn | String Quartet in D Major Op. 20, No. 4
Benjamin Britten | Three Divertimenti

RELEASE - Wellington (Hunter Council Chamber) 5pm
Looking to the first light of a new dawn.

Programme Three:

W.A. Mozart | Quartet in B Flat Major K 458 "The Hunt"
William Walton | String Quartet in a minor
David Flynn | “Slip” from Quartet, no. 2

2021 CONCERT SERIES 3:

MASTER AND MENTOR

Pruden - God Save the Queen
Brahms - Concerto for Violin and Violoncello in A minor, Op. 102
Eve de Castro-Robinson - Fractions
Mendelssohn - Symphony No.3 in A minor, Op. 56 ‘Scottish'

Guest Conductor - James Judd
Soloists - Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello)

We welcome Guest Conductor James Judd to this concert of epic works. One highlight is the Brahms concerto for Violin and Violoncello with NZSO musicians as soloists; Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello).

Lissa Meridan (NZ): Firecracker
Osvaldo Golijov: Azul
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Op.68, F major (Pastoral)

Benjamin Northey - Chief Conductor
Matthew Barley - Cello
Grayson Masefield - Accordion
Brett Painter - Percussion
Douglas Brush - Percussion

New Zealand composer Lissa Meridan composed the award-winning Firecracker in 1999 and it was hailed by critics as “zany and ear-popping”

Osvaldo Golijov’s cello concerto Azul is characteristic of the composer’s gift for incorporating diverse influences into a fresh vision, blending together various sources of creativity.

Cellist, Matthew Barley has created a unique international career and has been described as ‘the world’s most adventurous cellist’.

The harmonic make-up of Beethoven’s sixth symphony is entirely relaxed and rejoices in major triads from the very beginning until the ‘thunderstorm’ of the fourth movement.

2021 CONCERT SERIES 3:

MASTER AND MENTOR

Pruden - God Save the Queen
Brahms - Concerto for Violin and Violoncello in A minor, Op. 102
Eve de Castro-Robinson - Fractions
Mendelssohn - Symphony No.3 in A minor, Op. 56 ‘Scottish'

Guest Conductor - James Judd
Soloists - Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello)

We welcome Guest Conductor James Judd to this concert of epic works. One highlight is the Brahms concerto for Violin and Violoncello with NZSO musicians as soloists; Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello).

2021 CONCERT SERIES 3:

MASTER AND MENTOR

Pruden - God Save the Queen
Brahms - Concerto for Violin and Violoncello in A minor, Op. 102
Eve de Castro-Robinson - Fractions
Mendelssohn - Symphony No.3 in A minor, Op. 56 ‘Scottish'

Guest Conductor - James Judd
Soloists - Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello)

We welcome Guest Conductor James Judd to this concert of epic works. One highlight is the Brahms concerto for Violin and Violoncello with NZSO musicians as soloists; Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) and Andrew Joyce (violoncello).

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Vinten

PERFORMERS
Wade Kernot
Catrin Johnsson
Oliver Sewell
Bruce Greenfield

The Huia was a rare and tapu bird, confined to the Ruahine, Tararua, Remutaka and Kaimanawa mountain ranges in the south-east of the North Island. Their calls were mostly a varied array of whistles, “peculiar and strange”, but also “soft, melodious and flute-like.” The Huia bird is now extinct.

Join Michael Vinten as he takes us on an entertaining, informative and frequently fascinating journey of discovery through the forgotten world of the Art Song of Aotearoa.

We will hear highlights from his recent 3 volume collection of mainly unpublished pre-1950 New Zealand Art Songs. These songs – sung by our grandparents and great-grand parents – provide a glimpse into the preoccupations and concerns of their times through peace and war. Discover the significant contribution of women both Māori and Pākehā to music-making of this period as composers and poets.

Join us for this unique insight into this important but forgotten chapter of Aotearoa’s musical legacy.

Thank you to the Public Trust Hall Wellington for supporting this event.

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Tianyi Lu - Conductor
Perianes - Piano Javier

Salina Fisher: Tupaia
Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain
L. Boulanger: D’un matin de printemps
L. Boulanger: D’un soir triste
Stravinsky: The Firebird: Suite (1919)

A fond welcome back to a member of the APO family, Tianyi Lu – another winner of the Sir Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition.

Salina Fisher’s imagination was fired by the famous ‘Chart of Islands’ drawn by Tupaia, the Polynesian master navigator, while he was sailing with James Cook on the Endeavour.

The prodigiously talented French composer Lili Boulanger died, tragically, at only 24, but left behind this diptych: a fresh and breezy celebration of spring, and the much more introspective work which was to be her last.

Spanish pianist Javier Perianes joins us for Falla’s gorgeous nocturnal study, and Stravinsky’s sumptuous fairytale ballet rounds off the evening.

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Gemma New - Conductor
Hilary Hahn - Violin

John Rimmer: Lahar

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Gemma New Conductor
Hilary Hahn Violin

Brahms Violin Concerto
Tabea Squire Variations
John Adams Doctor Atomic Symphony

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Vinten

PERFORMERS
Wade Kernot
Catrin Johnsson
Oliver Sewell
Bruce Greenfield

The Huia was a rare and tapu bird, confined to the Ruahine, Tararua, Remutaka and Kaimanawa mountain ranges in the south-east of the North Island. Their calls were mostly a varied array of whistles, “peculiar and strange”, but also “soft, melodious and flute-like.” The Huia bird is now extinct.

Join Michael Vinten as he takes us on an entertaining, informative and frequently fascinating journey of discovery through the forgotten world of the Art Song of Aotearoa.

We will hear highlights from his recent 3 volume collection of mainly unpublished pre-1950 New Zealand Art Songs. These songs – sung by our grandparents and great-grand parents – provide a glimpse into the preoccupations and concerns of their times through peace and war. Discover the significant contribution of women both Māori and Pākehā to music-making of this period as composers and poets.

Join us for this unique insight into this important but forgotten chapter of Aotearoa’s musical legacy.

Thank you to the Public Trust Hall Wellington for supporting this event.

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Gemma New - Conductor
Hilary Hahn - Violin

John Rimmer: Lahar

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Gemma New Conductor
Hilary Hahn Violin

Brahms Violin Concerto
Tabea Squire Variations
John Adams Doctor Atomic Symphony

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Vinten

PERFORMERS
Wade Kernot
Catrin Johnsson
Oliver Sewell
Bruce Greenfield

The Huia was a rare and tapu bird, confined to the Ruahine, Tararua, Remutaka and Kaimanawa mountain ranges in the south-east of the North Island. Their calls were mostly a varied array of whistles, “peculiar and strange”, but also “soft, melodious and flute-like.” The Huia bird is now extinct.

Join Michael Vinten as he takes us on an entertaining, informative and frequently fascinating journey of discovery through the forgotten world of the Art Song of Aotearoa.

We will hear highlights from his recent 3 volume collection of mainly unpublished pre-1950 New Zealand Art Songs. These songs – sung by our grandparents and great-grand parents – provide a glimpse into the preoccupations and concerns of their times through peace and war. Discover the significant contribution of women both Māori and Pākehā to music-making of this period as composers and poets.

Join us for this unique insight into this important but forgotten chapter of Aotearoa’s musical legacy.

Thank you to the Public Trust Hall Wellington for supporting this event.

Tobias Ringborg - Conductor
Amalia Hall - Violin

Lilburn: Symphony No.3
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Suite

A summer’s day, a bird singing in the clear blue sky, ever winging up and up… Vaughan Williams’ radiant vision of the English countryside brings New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall back to the APO.

Vaughan Williams and his student Douglas Lilburn both deeply admired Sibelius, whose influence is clear in the lean, taut argument of Lilburn’s last orchestral work.

Sibelius’ suite about the legendary hero Lemminkäinen is most familiar for its movement The Swan of Tuonela. In Finnish mythology, Tuonela is the River of Death, and Sibelius gives the calm anguish of the Swan’s song to a cor anglais.

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Polish your tiara and dust off your dancing shoes!

The ‘dream team’ which brought you 2019’s dazzling Hansel & Gretel reunite, in a brand-new ballet to celebrate the re-opening of Wellington’s St James Theatre, followed by a national tour.

Feisty, funny and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Loughlan Prior to a magical new score by Claire Cowan and with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury.

Highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy ever afters will spill from the stage in every shade of the rainbow. This thoroughly modern Cinderella presents a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Cinderella is a stargazer, a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.
- Loughlan Prior, Choreographer

Johannes Fritzsch - Conductor
Kristian Bezuidenhout - Piano

Gemma Peacocke: New work (world premiere)
Mozart: Piano Concerto No.22
Martinů: Symphony No.6 ‘Fantaisies symphoniques’

It is very exciting that New Zealand composer Gemma Peacocke, currently making a name for herself in New York, is writing a new work for us. It will be followed by one of Mozart’s most ebullient piano concertos.

Martinů quotes his own music in his last symphony, and he occasionally implied there was a programme behind it. If so, it remains a mystery, as he was fairly oblique on the subject. What is unambiguous, though, is that this is a superb piece, with shadowy music giving way to exultant, rhapsodic song. If you’re yet to hear it, you’ve a real treat in store.

Alexander Shelley - Conductor
Gabriela Montero - Piano

Gillian: Whitehead New Commission
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Brahms: Symphony No.1

Alexander Shelley - Conductor
Gabriela Montero - Piano

Gillian: Whitehead New Commission
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Brahms: Symphony No.1

IANNIS XENAKIS (GR) | Rebonds A for solo percussion
CHRIS CREE BROWN (NZ) | Dream Compass for ensemble (premiere)
IHLARA McINDOE (NZ) | I write and chew and crack my bones and think about hospitality for soprano and ensemble (premiere)
REUBEN JELLEYMAN (NZ) | Klein Fountain for ensemble (NZ premiere)
GEMMA PEACOCKE (NZ) | New work for soprano and ensemble (premiere)
ANNA THORVALDSDOTTIR (ICE) | Spectra for ensemble (NZ premiere)
IANNIS XENAKIS (GR) — Dhipli Zyia for violin and cello

Composers are the ‘architects of dreams’, creatively assembling blocks of sound material to form virtual structures. Featuring two world premieres from New Zealand composers: Dream Compass by Chris Cree Brown, I write and chew and crack my bones and think about hospitality by Ihlara McIndoe. Also on the programme is the NZ premiere of Reuben Jelleyman’s Klein Fountain, finalist for the 2021 SOUNZ Contemporary Award, as well as works by Charlotte Bray and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

Alexander Shelley - Conductor
Gabriela Montero - Piano

Gillian: Whitehead New Commission
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Brahms: Symphony No.1

2022 CONCERT SERIES 1

Ross Harris - Chamber Symphony

Lyell Cresswell - Kaea (for Trombone and orchestra)

Two NZ works by Ross Harris and Lyell Cresswell to inspire and engage - see how amazing our NZ composers are and what moves them to write these beautiful works. This is an interactive concert setting where you get to ask the questions! Featuring trombone soloist David Bremner from the NZSO.

2022 CONCERT SERIES 1

Jenny McLeod - The Emperor and the Nightingale

Poulenc - The Story of Babar (L’Histoire de Babar)

The renowned actor and comedian Mark Hadlow joins Opus Orchestra to tell two time-honoured stories that the whole family will enjoy. The fairy tale The Emperor and the Nightingale has been given a delightful musical setting by New Zealand composer, Jenny McLeod. Then we have Jean de Brunhoff’s classic The Story of Barbar, the little Elephant. Francis Poulenc’s setting is charming, witty and engaging, like the story itself. A. A. Milne (the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh) wrote “If you love elephants you will love Babar and Celeste. If you have never loved elephants you will love them now.” Children, parents, grandparents: let us transport you to the fairytale kingdoms of the Emperor and the little Elephant.

2022 CONCERT SERIES 1

Ross Harris - Chamber Symphony

Lyell Cresswell - Kaea (for Trombone and orchestra)

Two NZ works by Ross Harris and Lyell Cresswell to inspire and engage - see how amazing our NZ composers are and what moves them to write these beautiful works. This is an interactive concert setting where you get to ask the questions! Featuring trombone soloist David Bremner from the NZSO.

2022 CONCERT SERIES 1

Jenny McLeod - The Emperor and the Nightingale

Poulenc - The Story of Babar (L’Histoire de Babar)

The renowned actor and comedian Mark Hadlow joins Opus Orchestra to tell two time-honoured stories that the whole family will enjoy. The fairy tale The Emperor and the Nightingale has been given a delightful musical setting by New Zealand composer, Jenny McLeod. Then we have Jean de Brunhoff’s classic The Story of Barbar, the little Elephant. Francis Poulenc’s setting is charming, witty and engaging, like the story itself. A. A. Milne (the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh) wrote “If you love elephants you will love Babar and Celeste. If you have never loved elephants you will love them now.” Children, parents, grandparents: let us transport you to the fairytale kingdoms of the Emperor and the little Elephant.

2022 CONCERT SERIES 1

Ross Harris - Chamber Symphony

Lyell Cresswell - Kaea (for Trombone and orchestra)

Two NZ works by Ross Harris and Lyell Cresswell to inspire and engage - see how amazing our NZ composers are and what moves them to write these beautiful works. This is an interactive concert setting where you get to ask the questions! Featuring trombone soloist David Bremner from the NZSO.

STORY & LIBRETTO Georgia Jamieson Emms

COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR Kenneth Young (with Anna Leese)

DIRECTOR Eleanor Bishop

A poignant and imaginative reflection on events during Janet Frame’s time at Seacliff Mental Hospital, The Strangest of Angels is a harrowing and hopeful experience that throws light on mental health then and now.

Co-created by Kenneth Young, Georgia Jamieson Emms and Anna Leese, The Strangest of Angels is born of an exciting and conscious collaboration between composer and performers that explores the contrast between a calm, rational psychiatric patient and a traumatised nurse torn between empathy and the relative power of institutional duty.

World premiere performances directed by Friedlander Foundation Associate Artist Eleanor Bishop and starring Anna Leese and Jayne Tankersley. Proudly presented by NZ Opera and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Christchurch. In Dunedin The Strangest of Angels is presented with the Dunedin Arts Festival and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.

STORY & LIBRETTO Georgia Jamieson Emms

COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR Kenneth Young (with Anna Leese)

DIRECTOR Eleanor Bishop

A poignant and imaginative reflection on events during Janet Frame’s time at Seacliff Mental Hospital, The Strangest of Angels is a harrowing and hopeful experience that throws light on mental health then and now.

Co-created by Kenneth Young, Georgia Jamieson Emms and Anna Leese, The Strangest of Angels is born of an exciting and conscious collaboration between composer and performers that explores the contrast between a calm, rational psychiatric patient and a traumatised nurse torn between empathy and the relative power of institutional duty.

World premiere performances directed by Friedlander Foundation Associate Artist Eleanor Bishop and starring Anna Leese and Jayne Tankersley. Proudly presented by NZ Opera and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Christchurch. In Dunedin The Strangest of Angels is presented with the Dunedin Arts Festival and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.

Alexander Shelley - Conductor
Gabriela Montero - Piano

Gillian: Whitehead New Commission
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Brahms: Symphony No.1

Helen Fisher (NZ): Te Tangi A Te Matui (The Call of the Matui)
Mozart: Mitridate Overture K. 87
Schnittke: Moz-Art a la Haydn
Haydn: Symphony No. 73 in D Major ‘The Hunt’

Martin Riseley - Director
Hannah Darroch - Flute

Te Tangi A Te Matui (The Call of the Matui) is a work by New Zealand composer Helen Fisher and is based on a Māori karakia.

The overture to Mozart’s opera Mitridate, re di Ponto marked the culmination of Mozart’s first trip to Italy.

Schnittke’s extraordinary aptitude to fragment and reassemble various components in new and unanticipated ways is abundantly demonstrated in his 1977 Moz-Art à la Haydn, scored for two violin soloists and small ensemble.

It was directly after meeting Mozart that Haydn wrote The Hunt. Its finale’s whirlwind is suggestive of a hunt and has an almost insane energy.

Helen Fisher (NZ): Te Tangi A Te Matui (The Call of the Matui)
Mozart: Mitridate Overture K. 87
Schnittke: Moz-Art a la Haydn
Haydn: Symphony No. 73 in D Major ‘The Hunt’

Martin Riseley - Director
Hannah Darroch - Flute

Te Tangi A Te Matui (The Call of the Matui) is a work by New Zealand composer Helen Fisher and is based on a Māori karakia.

The overture to Mozart’s opera Mitridate, re di Ponto marked the culmination of Mozart’s first trip to Italy.

Schnittke’s extraordinary aptitude to fragment and reassemble various components in new and unanticipated ways is abundantly demonstrated in his 1977 Moz-Art à la Haydn, scored for two violin soloists and small ensemble.

It was directly after meeting Mozart that Haydn wrote The Hunt. Its finale’s whirlwind is suggestive of a hunt and has an almost insane energy.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya - Conductor
Ria Hall - Vocals

Ria Hall is a musical force to be reckoned with. Fusing roots, soul and hip-hop with powerful vocals in Te Reo Māori and English, Ria joins the NZSO in a celebration of her 2017 album Rules Of Engagement, an album that looks from New Zealand’s past to our collective future.

Shortened version of one hour, no interval with selections from:

Schumann Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, V & VI
Gao Ping New Commission
Schuller Piano Trio
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op 50

The final saga begins with Schumann weaving his love of Bach’s counterpoint with his own natural fountainhead of fantasy, presented in an arrangement by his friend and colleague Kirchner. The chromatic spectrum is explored further in Schuller’s trio, embodying his jazz roots with colleagues Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and acknowledging his place in American composers’ royalty. Gao Ping’s NZ legacy continues long after his return to China in this brand new commission. The journey concludes with the largest, most symphonic piano trio of all – Tchaikovsky’s expansive and magnificent work written in memory of Nikolai Rubinstein – “À la mémoir d’un grand artiste”.

Schumann Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, V & VI
Gao Ping New Commission
Schuller Piano Trio
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op 50

The final saga begins with Schumann weaving his love of Bach’s counterpoint with his own natural fountainhead of fantasy, presented in an arrangement by his friend and colleague Kirchner. The chromatic spectrum is explored further in Schuller’s trio, embodying his jazz roots with colleagues Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and acknowledging his place in American composers’ royalty. Gao Ping’s NZ legacy continues long after his return to China in this brand new commission. The journey concludes with the largest, most symphonic piano trio of all – Tchaikovsky’s expansive and magnificent work written in memory of Nikolai Rubinstein – “À la mémoir d’un grand artiste”.

EXPLORE OUR GALLERIES OF SOUND

This is no ordinary concert — ‘choose your own adventure’ by exploring simultaneous performances of ambient, spatial music taking place across the gorgeous Toi Art spaces on Levels 4 & 5 of Te Papa.

Spread over 2½ hours, you can come and go as you please. Have a drink at the bar, then wander around the spaces to experience the ‘sound events’. Follow the schedule, or see where your ear takes you. If you position yourself right, you might hear two or three pieces at the same time; if you miss a piece the first time, you can catch it again later in the evening.

Throughout the evening, Stroma will be performing works by renowned composers such as John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney and Alvin Lucier, as well as a selection of works by New Zealand composers. Low-level ambient sonic art by Wellington-based sonic artists will be also performed, mingling with the acoustic sounds of Stroma.

PROGRAMME
Multiple works by John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney, Alvin Lucier, Peter Ablinger, Rachael Morgan, Simon Eastwood, and others tba

Miguel Harth-Bedoya - Conductor
Ria Hall - Vocals

Ria Hall is a musical force to be reckoned with. Fusing roots, soul and hip-hop with powerful vocals in Te Reo Māori and English, Ria joins the NZSO in a celebration of her 2017 album Rules Of Engagement, an album that looks from New Zealand’s past to our collective future.

Schumann Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, V & VI
Gao Ping New Commission
Schuller Piano Trio
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op 50

The final saga begins with Schumann weaving his love of Bach’s counterpoint with his own natural fountainhead of fantasy, presented in an arrangement by his friend and colleague Kirchner. The chromatic spectrum is explored further in Schuller’s trio, embodying his jazz roots with colleagues Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and acknowledging his place in American composers’ royalty. Gao Ping’s NZ legacy continues long after his return to China in this brand new commission. The journey concludes with the largest, most symphonic piano trio of all – Tchaikovsky’s expansive and magnificent work written in memory of Nikolai Rubinstein – “À la mémoir d’un grand artiste”.

Gemma New - Conductor
Voices New Zealand Choir

John Psathas: Seikilos
Strauss: Death and Transfiguration
Mozart: Requiem

Gemma New - Conductor
Voices New Zealand Choir

John Psathas: Seikilos
Strauss: Death and Transfiguration
Mozart: Requiem

Schumann Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 arr. for Piano Trio, V & VI
Gao Ping New Commission
Schuller Piano Trio
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op 50

The final saga begins with Schumann weaving his love of Bach’s counterpoint with his own natural fountainhead of fantasy, presented in an arrangement by his friend and colleague Kirchner. The chromatic spectrum is explored further in Schuller’s trio, embodying his jazz roots with colleagues Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, and acknowledging his place in American composers’ royalty. Gao Ping’s NZ legacy continues long after his return to China in this brand new commission. The journey concludes with the largest, most symphonic piano trio of all – Tchaikovsky’s expansive and magnificent work written in memory of Nikolai Rubinstein – “À la mémoir d’un grand artiste”.

LINDA DALLIMORE (NZ) | Everything feels different now for ensemble (premiere)
CHARLOTTE BRAY (UK) | Renga Miniatures for ensemble (NZ premiere)
DYLAN LARDELLI (NZ) | New work for ensemble (NZ premiere)
KERIAN VARAINE (NZ) | AN DOOR for ensemble (premiere)
KARLO MARGETIĆ (NZ) | Bricks and Mortar for ensemble (NZ premiere)
IANNIS XENAKIS (GR) | Anaktoria for ensemble

Celebrating what Stroma is all about: big, bold sounds and compelling musical experiences. Five New Zealand composers contribute substantial new works: Linda Dallimore, Gemma Peacocke, Kerian Varaine, Dylan Lardelli and Karlo Margetić. The concert is rounded out by the barnstorming Anaktoria by renowned Greek composer Iannis Xenakis, whose 100th anniversary is being celebrated in 2022.

COMPOSER & LYRICIST Tim Finn

TAHITIAN MONOLOGUES Célestine Hitiura Vaite

CO-COMPOSER Tom McLeod

IHITAI ‘AVEI’A – STAR NAVIGATOR Aboard a cramped British scientific vessel in the vastness of the Pacific, two navigators find themselves locked on a collision course. One is a Tahitian priest, guided by his ancient knowledge of star pathways. The other a naval officer, desperate to prove both himself and his faith in science.

This beautiful and haunting new work by composer Tim Finn, co-composer Tom McLeod, with Tahitian monologues by Célestine Hitiura Vaite, tells the story of Tupaia, the Tahitian star navigator who sailed with James Cook, on the maiden voyage of the Endeavour in 1769. Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator explores the relationship between two master mariners, each from vastly different worlds, both far from home and unable to find their way into each other’s world.

After a sold out world premiere in Auckland in 2021, we are delighted to present Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua with Orchestra Wellington.

COMPOSER & LYRICIST Tim Finn

TAHITIAN MONOLOGUES Célestine Hitiura Vaite

CO-COMPOSER Tom McLeod

IHITAI ‘AVEI’A – STAR NAVIGATOR Aboard a cramped British scientific vessel in the vastness of the Pacific, two navigators find themselves locked on a collision course. One is a Tahitian priest, guided by his ancient knowledge of star pathways. The other a naval officer, desperate to prove both himself and his faith in science.

This beautiful and haunting new work by composer Tim Finn, co-composer Tom McLeod, with Tahitian monologues by Célestine Hitiura Vaite, tells the story of Tupaia, the Tahitian star navigator who sailed with James Cook, on the maiden voyage of the Endeavour in 1769. Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator explores the relationship between two master mariners, each from vastly different worlds, both far from home and unable to find their way into each other’s world.

After a sold out world premiere in Auckland in 2021, we are delighted to present Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua with Orchestra Wellington.