Join us in 2025 for some of the biggest names and greatest moments in music, to be shared together in the concert hall and online.
Hei te tau 2025, hono mai ki ngā tāngata me ngā
kaupapa whai take i te ao waiata ki te whakanui kotahi i tētahi konohete i rō hōro, mā runga hoki i te ipurangi.
Kia ora koutou,
We extend the warmest welcome to our brand new 2025 NZSO Season! Our superstar-studded season creates a WOW! experience right throughout the year with so many virtuosic performers and their insightful perspectives.
Often it is the singers, string players or pianists that shine in the spotlight. And we certainly have tremendous anticipation for New York’s Metropolitan Opera star Joyce DiDonato gracing our stage in the season finale, and Daniil Trifonov performing Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto, as well as violinists Amalia Hall and Pekka Kuusisto, cellist Kian Soltani and pianist Javier Perianes. But this season also packs a spectacular array of other soloists, from our trumpet trio and timpani on the Timeless Beauty baroque tour, to the British saxophone superstar Jess Gillam. Principal Flute of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Emily Beynon joins us for a brand new co-commissioned concerto by Guillaume Connesson, and horn virtuoso Gail Williams leads the Summer Brass tour in December.
I am thrilled to be joining the orchestra with two marvellous romantic symphonies, Bruckner’s Seventh and Mahler’s Sixth. Guest conductors have chosen deeply personal works to share with NZSO audiences this season; the interpretations of Simone Young’s Brahms’ Second Symphony, Masaaki Suzuki’s Beethoven Eroica and Gábor Káli’s Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony are not to be missed! We are pleased to perform both established New Zealand favourites such as Lilburn’s Aotearoa and Gareth Farr’s From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs, as well as welcoming exciting new works from Victoria Kelly, Tabea Squire and Briar Prastiti. The Winter Immerse festival brings us a celebration of the natural world, featuring Salina Fisher and Jerome Kavanagh Poutama’s Papatūānuku, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Saint-Saëns wonderfully entertaining Carnival of the Animals.
I hope you will join us for many concerts this season to witness the astonishing power, poise and passion of our NZSO musicians and guest artists. Thank you for your support of the NZSO, and thank you for being an integral part of the live concert experience! It brings us the utmost joy to share our artistic gifts with you.
Gemma New ONZM
NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor
2025 Concerts
Wellington
Timeless Beauty
Telemann & Handel
Fri, 07 Mar, 6.30pm
Pictures at an Exhibition
Thu, 27 Mar, 6.30pm
Pinnacle
Respighi & Rachmaninov
Fri, 11 Apr, 6.30pm
Legends
Mozart & Beethoven
Fri, 09 May, 6.30pm
Echoes of Home
Bartok & Dvořák
Fri, 23 May, 6.30pm
Masterworks
Mozart, Beethoven & Haydn
Sat, 31 May, 7.30pm
NYO Adventure
Rachmaninov & Strauss
Sat, 05 Jul, 7.30pm
Firebird
Ravel & Stravinsky Thu, 17 Jul, 6.30pm
Enchanted
Stravinsky, Dukas & Mussorgsky
Fri, 08 Aug, 6.30pm
Ascension
Vaughan Williams & Schumann
Sat, 09 Aug, 7.30pm
Creepy-Crawly Carnival
Saint-Saëns & Roussel
Sun, 10 Aug, 2pm
Mahler 6
Fri, 05 Sep, 6.30pm
Emerging Artists
Wed 17 Sep, 6.30pm
Stabat Mater Thu, 02 Oct, 6.30pm
Four Seasons
Thu, 09 Oct, 6.30pm
Affirmation
Dvořák & Brahms Thu, 23 Oct, 6.30pm
Symphonic Dances
Thu, 20 Nov, 6.30pm
Joyce DiDonato
Summer Nights Fri, 28 Nov, 6.30pm
Summer Brass Fri, 05 Dec, 6:30pm
Auckland Christchurch
Pinnacle
Respighi & Rachmaninov
Sat, 12 Apr, 7.30pm
Legends
Mozart & Beethoven
Sat, 10 May, 7.30pm
Masterworks
Mozart, Beethoven & Haydn
Tue, 10 Jun, 7.30pm
NYO Adventure
Rachmaninov & Strauss
Sun, 06 Jul, 4pm
Enchanted
Stravinsky, Dukas & Mussorgsky
Fri, 15 Aug, 7.30pm
Ascension
Vaughan Williams & Schumann
Sat, 16 Aug, 7.30pm
Creepy-Crawly Carnival
Saint-Saëns & Roussel Sun, 17 Aug, 2pm
Mahler 6 Sat, 06 Sep, 7.30pm
Stabat Mater Fri, 03 Oct, 7.30pm
Affirmation
Dvořak & Brahms Fri, 24 Oct, 7.30pm
Joyce DiDonato Summer Nights Sat, 29 Nov, 7.30pm
Pictures at an Exhibition Sat, 29 Mar, 7.30pm
Echoes of Home
Bartok & Dvořák Sun, 25 May, 2pm
Firebird Sat, 19 Jul, 7.30pm
Four Seasons Sat, 11 Oct, 7.30pm
Symphonic Dances Sat, 22 Nov, 7.30pm
For concerts in other locations across Aotearoa New Zealand visit nzso.co.nz/2025
With livestreams and video-on-demand, get up close and personal with your national orchestra on the digital stage.
Concerts marked with are planned livestreams for 2025
Partner with NZSO Musicians
To be able to give to something I both love and believe in is a privilege. I love music, and in New Zealand we are so fortunate to have such a stable and world class symphony orchestra. It is something to be treasured and proud of. Becoming a donor gives one a strong sense of connection with the orchestra. It opens up the symphonic world in a new and wonderful way.
Gillian Clark
Chair Sponsor for Associate Principal Flute Kirstin Eade
Find out more at nzso.co.nz/donate or contact carleen.ebbs@nzso.co.nz
Enjoy the orchestra on your terms with an NZSO Membership
Te Whai Mematanga i NZSO
Membership Benefits
• Up to 15% off ticket prices
• Priority booking periods
• Book all concerts directly through the NZSO
• Select your own seats and get instant confirmation for concerts at the Auckland Town Hall, Michael Fowler Centre, Christchurch Town Hall and selected venues nationwide when booking online
• Enjoy an enhanced Membership experience
• Avoid booking fees by purchasing additional concert tickets directly from the NZSO
• Personalised service
• Exclusive offers and special events
There are two levels of Membership
Full $30 $10 Lite
Full Membership benefits
• Discounted pricing (15%) for up to four tickets per concert (additional tickets at full price)
• Access to exclusive Member events
• One Introduce a Friend ticket for the season
Full and Lite Membership benefits
Lite Membership benefits
• Discounted pricing (10%) for up to two tickets per concert (additional tickets at full price)
• Members can purchase any/multiple concerts immediately at 2025 season launch
• Member benefits with NZSO Partners
• Two (2) complimentary NYO tickets
• Flexible ticket exchange options
• Student, Under 25 and Under 35 price types available for Members
How to become an NZSO Member
Visit nzso.co.nz/membership or call the NZSO Ticketing team on 0800 4 SYMPHONY (0800 479 674).
For full terms and conditions, visit nzso.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
SEASON
Wellington Thu, 27 Mar, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Christchurch Sat, 29 Mar, 7.30pm
Christchurch Town Hall
Pictures at an Exhibition
Principal Conductor Gemma New starts our 2025 season with vivid paintings in sound.
Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition depicts paintings by Viktor Hartmann, with each movement musically describing each painting in piquant detail.
Similarly, Gareth Farr’s The Invocation of the Sea paints a vivid picture of many of the sounds and instruments of the Pacific.
We also welcome Emily Beynon to our shores. Currently Principal Flute of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and considered one of the top five flautists in the world by ClassicFM, Beynon premieres a new work by French composer Guillaume Connesson, and is sure to dazzle with her “virtuosity and rich feeling” (Gramophone).
Gemma New Conductor
Emily Beynon Flute
Gareth Farr From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs: Part 1 – The Invocation of the Sea
Guillaume Connesson Concerto No. 2 for Flute and Orchestra (World Premiere)
Mussorgsky orch. Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition
Wellington Christchurch
Wellington
Fri, 11 Apr, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland
Sat, 12 Apr, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
Pinnacle Respighi & Rachmaninov
Conductor Umberto Clerici is our guide through one of the pinnacles of piano concertos and the beauty and majesty of Rome.
It is our pleasure to present pianist Daniil Trifonov to Kiwi audiences. Described by The Times as “without question the most astounding pianist of our age,” his rendition of Rachmaninov’s extraordinary Third Piano Concerto is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture gives us a taste of Italian festivities, while Respighi’s Fountains of Rome takes us on a tour of four of the monumental fountains in Rome.
Umberto Clerici Conductor
Daniil Trifonov Piano
Daniil Trifonov’s performances with the NZSO are generously supported by Dame Bronwen Holdsworth DNZM
Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture
Respighi Fountains of Rome
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
All Tickets
In association with
Wellington Fri, 09 May, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Sat, 10 May, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
Hamilton Sun, 11 May, 2pm
Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber
Legends Mozart & Beethoven
It’s not every day you get to experience the work of a real legend.
Masaaki Suzuki: conductor; harpsichordist; organist; justly-acclaimed interpreter of Baroque music; legend. We are honoured and thrilled to welcome Maestro Suzuki to deliver what Gramophone describes as “interpretations at once so thoughtful and thought-provoking, all within an aura of spontaneous delight.”
In a programme of great works by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear a true master at work.
Béla Bartók’s Second Violin Concerto, written at a time of increasing unease regarding his homeland’s future, overflows with the unique, folk-inspired sounds of Bartók’s Hungary.
To bring this world to life, we welcome Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli and violinist Amalia Hall. Káli’s work with the Budapest Festival Orchestra launched him as a fast-rising interpreter of Bartók’s repertoire, while Hall has been praised for her “blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity” (The Strad).
Lilburn’s Aotearoa Overture and Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony are both deeply personal works, expressing love and care for the places these composers called home.
Gábor Káli Conductor
Amalia Hall Violin
Amalia Hall appears with support from Jason Boyes and Nickie Van Der Beek
Lilburn Aotearoa Overture
Bartók Violin Concerto No. 2
Dvořák Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70
Wellington
Christchurch
Wellington
Sat, 31 May, 7.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Blenheim
Thu, 05 Jun, 7.30pm
ASB Theatre Marlborough
Nelson
Sat, 07 Jun, 7.30pm
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
The Nelson performance is presented with support from Roger and Catherine Taylor
Setting Up Camp presents an exciting selection of evening concerts, free daytime performances and events for schools and communities.
Schools’ Concerts, Creative Music Workshops, Side-by-Side sessions and Relaxed Concerts for neurodivergent children and adults to enjoy the NZSO in a sensory-friendly environment.
Wellington Thu, 17 Jul, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Christchurch
Sat, 19 Jul, 7.30pm
Christchurch Town Hall
Firebird Ravel & Stravinsky
Our 2025 journey continues with this sumptuous feast of spectacular music.
Opening with the clanging tramcar bell and 1950s hustle of John Ritchie’s Papanui Road, Spanish pianist Javier Perianes then joins the orchestra for two virtuoso masterworks. Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major explores both Ravel’s Spanish Basque roots and the enlivening rhythms of jazz, while de Falla’s portrait of Andalusian Spain is darker, dramatic, and seductive. Stravinsky’s Firebird suite conjures images of the magical glowing bird of Russian myth.
Joana Carneiro Conductor
Javier Perianes Piano
J Ritchie Papanui Road Concert Overture de Falla Nights in the Gardens of Spain
Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major
Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird (1945 version)
Wellington Christchurch
Wellington Fri, 08 Aug, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Fri, 15 Aug, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
IMMERSE RUMAKINA
Returning for his third Immerse Festival, André de Ridder showcases three different programmes over one weekend, designed for everyone to find something they love.
Open Doors offers the opportunity for people to experience music up-close with Tamariki Time, NZSO Foundation Masterclasses with NZSO musicians and other special events.
Find out more at nzso.co.nz
Enchanted Stravinsky, Dukas & Mussorgsky
André de Ridder Conductor
Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain
Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Stravinsky Petrushka (1947)
The festival’s first night is an evening of enchantment, with three of the best-loved pieces in the repertoire. Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain and Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice were both highlights of Walt Disney’s Fantasia, for their dramatic evocations of witches’ sabbaths and young wizards. Stravinsky’s Petrushka depicts a street magician’s one true act of enchantment, when his human-sized puppets spring to life. Originally composed for the Ballets Russes, Petrushka wows audiences with its raucous orchestral timbres, vibrant instrumentation, and driving, irresistible rhythms.
Conductor André de Ridder appears with support from The Diessl Family
Wellington Sat, 09 Aug, 7.30pm Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Sat, 16 Aug, 7.30pm Auckland Town Hall
Ascension
Schumann & Vaughan Williams
André de Ridder Conductor
Jerome Kavanagh Poutama Taonga Pūoro
Vesa-Matti Leppänen Violin
Salina Fisher & Jerome Kavanagh Poutama
Papatūānuku
Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending R Schumann Symphony No. 1 Spring
According to Māori tradition, Papatūānuku is the Earth Mother, from which all living things are created. In this concert we celebrate nature with Papatūānuku, a work co-created by Kiwi composer Salina Fisher and Grammy Award-winning taonga pūoro artist Jerome Kavanagh Poutama.
We then soar through the sky with Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, one of the most popular and loved classical works of all time before returning to earth for the blossoming Spring in Schumann’s First Symphony.
Wellington Sun, 10 Aug, 2pm Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Sun, 17 Aug, 2pm
Auckland Town Hall
Creepy-Crawly Carnival
Saint-Saëns & Roussel
André de Ridder Conductor Bret McKenzie Presenter
Roussel The Spider’s Feast: Symphonic Fragments
Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals
Bring the whole whānau to this matinee concert celebrating wild animals and creepy crawlies!
It’s a bug’s life in Roussel’s The Spider’s Feast, a suite depicting the insects found in a garden. This special performance moves from the garden to the Aotearoa
New Zealand native bush with Giant Wētās, Huhu Grubs and all the fluttering life found in the forest. One thing is clear, the spider is always looking for lunch. This work is guaranteed to make the kids laugh, smile and squirm!
We also welcome Oscar-winning songwriter and funny man Bret McKenzie. Last seen with the NZSO for our 2018 Muppets concerts, McKenzie returns to narrate a staple of kids’ classical music:
Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. Come for the bouncing kangaroos, gliding swans and galumphing elephants – and stay for the great music.
Maestra New continues the NZSO’s cycle of Mahler symphonies with his monumental Sixth Symphony.
This colossal masterpiece for a massive orchestra was noted even in its own time for “surpass[ing] its predecessors in solidity of structure, but also in its realism and nerve-wracking intensity” (Julius Korngold).
The final movement famously includes tremendous blows from a giant hammer, said to represent the debilitating blows of fate.
New’s interpretations of Mahler are becoming renowned for evincing her “deep understanding […] New is absolutely in charge” (Five Lines).
We look forward to seeing what she can do with the Sixth.
Gemma New Conductor
Mahler Symphony No. 6
Wellington Thu, 02 Oct, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Fri, 03 Oct, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
Made possible with support from The NZSO Stabat Mater syndicate of donors
Stabat Mater
The NZSO and Choirs Aotearoa present Rossini’s Stabat Mater with four extraordinary singers, and Kiwi composer Victoria Kelly’s response to that work.
Rossini’s majestic Stabat Mater is based on the thirteenth-century liturgy describing the Virgin Mary’s suffering at the crucifixion of her son, Jesus. This text, written by a priest and influencing the perceived role of women throughout Western history, stands in dialogue with Kelly’s, a contemporary appraisal of Mary, motherhood and women. Joining us is acclaimed Italian conductor Valentina Peleggi, increasingly sought after as an inspired conductor of opera.
Valentina Peleggi Conductor
Madison Nonoa Soprano
Anna Pierard Mezzo-soprano
Filipe Manu Tenor
Teddy Tahu-Rhodes Bass-Baritone
Voices New Zealand Choir
Victoria Kelly Stabat Mater (World Premiere)
Rossini Stabat Mater
Wellington / Auckland
Wellington
Thu, 09 Oct, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Christchurch
Sat, 11 Oct, 7.30pm
Christchurch Town Hall
Four Seasons
A one-of-a-kind musician delivers his take on an old classic and a new favourite.
Pekka Kuusisto has been described as “a fantastically exciting violinist, as well as a conductor” (The Times). He brings his “tremendous technique and ebullient abandon” (Pioneer Press) to direct and perform The Four Seasons by Vivaldi. Its stunning musical depictions of lazy summer afternoons and brisk winter winds continue to delight.
Kuusisto also conducts the Third Symphony by early Romantic composer Louise Farrenc. Though well-regarded in her own time despite considerable professional hurdles due to her gender, Farrenc was, until recently, forgotten. But her works, considered by today’s leading conductors to be on par with Schumann and Mendelssohn, are now regaining the admiration they deserve.
Pekka Kuusisto Conductor/Violin
Vivaldi The Four Seasons Farrenc Symphony No. 3
Wellington Christchurch
Wellington Thu, 23 Oct, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Fri, 24 Oct, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
Affirmation Dvořák & Brahms
The brilliant Simone Young and cellist Kian Soltani present a programme rich in Romanticism.
Simone Young’s extensive career has often highlighted her particular expertise in Romantic works. We’re excited to hear her interpretation of Wagner’s Prelude to Lohengrin and Brahms’ beautiful Second Symphony. Iranian-Austrian cellist Kian Soltani, Principal Cello of Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto.
Simone Young Conductor
Kian Soltani Cello
Kian Soltani appears with generous support from Susan and Donald Best ONZM Wagner Lohengrin Prelude to Act 1
Presented with thanks to The Wagner Society
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 2
Wellington / Auckland
Concession
Wellington Thu, 20 Nov, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Christchurch Sat, 22 Nov, 7.30pm
Christchurch Town Hall
Symphonic Dances
Explore the energy and svelte sounds of the saxophone, the adventurous youngest child of the orchestral whānau.
Associated more with jazz, the saxophone also has wide-ranging classical repertoire. Jess Gillam, the first saxophonist ever to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician of the Year is equally at home in the late Romantic style of Glazunov’s concerto, or Milhaud’s Brazilian-influenced Scaramouche.
In case you needed more energy, Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances is guaranteed to make your toe tap and your heart pound.
Gemma New Conductor
Jess Gillam Saxophone
Jess Gillam appears with the support of Tim Fulton and Anna Greenwood
Tabea Squire NZSO Commission (World Premiere)
Glazunov Saxophone Concerto
Milhaud Scaramouche
Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Wellington Christchurch
Wellington Fri, 28 Nov, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Sat, 29 Nov, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall
Joyce DiDonato Summer Nights
A magnificent artist pairs with an exceptional symphony.
Joyce DiDonato has been described as “an American treasure” (Operawire), “increasingly incomparable” (New Yorker) and “a great, brave and inspiring artist – one of the finest singers of our time” (Gramophone). She brings her voice, described by NPR as “luminous, silken, flexible, full of colours and expressive shadings” to Hector Berlioz’s equally luminous song cycle Les nuits d’été (Summer Nights). Berlioz’s gorgeously intimate orchestrations embody the sound of love, both new and long lost.
With its immense ensemble, lush harmonies and poignant melodies, it’s easy to see why BBC Music Magazine included Bruckner’s masterpiece in their top 20 Symphonies of all time.
Gemma New Conductor
Joyce DiDonato Mezzo-soprano
Berlioz Les Nuits d’été
Wellington / Auckland
Bruckner Symphony No. 7 Concession
Kāpiti
Thu, 06 Mar, 7.30pm
Te Raukura ki Kāpiti
Wellington
Fri, 07 Mar, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Carterton
Sat, 08 Mar, 7.30pm Events Centre
Palmerston North
Tue, 11 Mar, 7.30pm
Regent on Broadway
Generously supported by Ainsley Walter
Napier
Wed, 12 Mar, 7.30pm
Napier Municipal Theatre
Rotorua
Thu, 13 Mar, 7.30pm
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Hamilton
Fri, 14 Mar, 7.30pm
Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber
Tauranga
Sat, 15 Mar, 7.30pm
Baycourt Theatre
Timeless Beauty Handel & Telemann
Vesa-Matti Leppänen leads an ensemble of NZSO musicians in a concert of Baroque brilliance.
Vesa-Matti Leppänen Director/Violin
Michael Kirgan Trumpet
David Johnson Trumpet
Mark Carter Trumpet
Laurence Reese Timpani
Handel Overture and Symphonia from Occasional Oratorio
Locke The Tempest Suite
Handel Alcina Suite
Telemann Concerto for 3 Trumpets and Timpani in D Major, TWV54.D3
Adult Concession
Wellington Fri, 05 Dec, 6:30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Kāpiti
Sat, 06 Dec, 7.30pm
Te Raukura ki Kāpiti
Whanganui
Tue, 09 Dec, 7.30pm
Whanganui Opera House
Napier
Wed, 10 Dec, 7.30pm
Napier Municipal Theatre
Rotorua
Thu, 11 Dec, 7.30pm
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Hamilton Fri, 12 Dec, 7.30pm
Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber
Tauranga
Sat, 13 Dec, 7.30pm
Holy Trinity Tauranga
Summer Brass
Internationally acclaimed musician and conductor Gail Williams joins the NZSO Brass and Percussion for a celebration of all things Brass!
After 20 years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Williams is currently Principal Horn of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra, a founding member of Chicago Chamber Musicians and is in demand as a soloist and pedagogue throughout North America, as well as in Europe and Asia.
Summer Brass is a great concert for the whole whānau, featuring a mix of bold classics, fantastic fanfares and even the odd Christmas carol or two. Prepare to be entertained!
Gail Williams Conductor
Wellington
Sat, 05 Jul, 7.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Auckland Sun, 06 Jul, 4pm
Auckland Town Hall
NYO Adventure Rachmaninov & Strauss
Welcome the next generation of Kiwi talent in the midwinter return of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.
Adam Johnson Conductor
Madison Horman Soprano
R Strauss Don Juan
R Strauss Selection of Lieder
Luka Venter glacier (World Premiere NZSO NYO 2025 Composer-in-Residence)
Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2
NZSO Members receive two complimentary tickets to the National Youth Orchestra concert of their choice
Wellington Wed 17 Sep, 6.30pm Michael Fowler Centre
Emerging Artists
Aotearoa New Zealand’s brightest young musicians perform as soloists and side-by-side with the NZSO in a concert celebrating the next generation of performers.
Other Activity
Pre-concert Talks
Learn more about the stories behind the music with pre-concert talks before all Auckland and Wellington concerts and other selected locations.
Speakers will enhance your enjoyment of each programme through their insight and knowledge of the composers and their music.
Wellington pre-concert talks are presented by Nonsuch Consulting Services.
NZSO @ Te Papa
The NZSO, in collaboration with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, perform a selection of concerts throughout 2025 for the whole whānau.
Todd Young Composers Awards
Wellington Fri, 14 Nov, 6pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Made possible with support from the Todd Trust
NZSO Foundation Masterclasses
Offering up-and-coming musicians the chance to learn from internationally renowned soloists, composers and conductors.
Masterclasses are open to the public to watch.
Mana Moana
A fusion of symphony and songs of the Pacific returns in 2025 with Mana Moana.
Full of joy and infectious energy, this unique and emotional celebration includes traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
Brent Stewart Conductor
Signature Choir
Helen Tupai Choir Director
Tofiga Fepulea’I Presenter
Gemma New
ARTISTIC ADVISOR AND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
Supported by the NZSO Foundation
Hamish McKeich
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR IN RESIDENCE
Pietari Inkinen
HONORARY CONDUCTOR
James Judd
MUSIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS
FIRST VIOLINS
Vesa-Matti Leppänen CONCERTMASTER
Supported by the Diessl Family
Donald Armstrong
ASSOCIATE CONCERTMASTER
Supported by
Mary & Peter Biggs CNZM
Yuka Eguchi
ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER
Supported by Antonio Strings Limited
Emma Barron
Ursula Evans
Malavika Gopal
Supported by Logan Brown
Pam Jiang
Haihong Liu
Anne Loeser
Supported by Brian & Sally Hasell
Alan Molina
Gregory Squire
Supported by Dr Hylton Le Grice CNZM, OBE & Ms Angela Lindsay
Rebecca Struthers
Supported by Peter & Juliet Rowe
Anna van der Zee
Supported by Catherine & Roger Taylor
Beiyi Xue
Kristina Zelinska
FIRST VIOLINS
Supported by
SECOND VIOLINS
Andrew Thomson
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by
The Fehl Charitable Trust
Amy Brookman
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Jessica Oddie
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
David Gilling
SUB-PRINCIPAL EMERITUS
Janet Armstrong
ASSISTANT SUB-PRINCIPAL EMERITUS
Julia Broom
Simeon Broom
Supported by Deryk & Jan McNamara
Elspeth Gray
Andrew Kasza
Megan Molina
Elizabeth Patchett
Katherine Rowe
Christine Wang
VIOLAS
Julia Joyce
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Alexander McFarlane
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Nicholas Hancox
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Sophia Acheson
Lisa Boyes
Anna Debnam
Beatrix Francis
Jenaro Garita
Victoria Jaenecke
Lyndsay Mountfort
Belinda Veitch
Eli Vincent
CELLOS
Andrew Joyce
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by
Deane Endowment Trust
Ken Ichinose
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Supported by
Donald Best ONZM & Susan Best
Ian Greenberg
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
David Chickering
SECTION PRINCIPAL EMERITUS
Brigid O’Meeghan
ASSISTANT SUB-PRINCIPAL EMERITUS
Supported by Professor Jack C. Richards
Eleanor Carter
Supported by Nimrod Taylor
Sally Isaac
Annemarie Meijers
Rowan Prior
BASSES
Joan Perarnau Garriga
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by
Sir David Gascoigne & Dame Patsy Reddy
Damien Eckersley
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Oscar Luque
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Matthew Cave
Oleksandr Gunchenko
Alanna Jones
Supported by
Alison Thomson
Malcolm Struthers
Supported by
Peter & Juliet Rowe
BASSES
Supported by
FLUTES
Bridget Douglas
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by Michael Snowden
Kirstin Eade
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Supported by Gillian Clark & Matilda Goldie
PICCOLO
Johanna Gruskin
PRINCIPAL
Supported by the Brandt Family
OBOES
Robert Orr
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by Christopher Finlayson KC
Helen Clinton
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
COR ANGLAIS
Michael Austin
PRINCIPAL
CLARINETS
Patrick Barry
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Ellen Deverall
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
BASS CLARINET
Rachel Vernon
PRINCIPAL
BASSOONS
Justin Sun
SECTION PRINCIPAL
HORNS
Samuel Jacobs
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Sebastian Dunn
SUB-PRINCIPAL
Alexander Hambleton
SUB-PRINCIPAL
Supported by Te Kairanga Wines
Shadley van Wyk
SUB-PRINCIPAL
HORNS
Supported by
TIMPANI
Laurence Reese
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by The Gibbs Family
Thomas Guldborg
Supported by Tim Fulton & Anna Greenwood
PERCUSSION
Leonard Sakofsky
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Thomas Guldborg
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL / ASSISTANT TIMPANI
Supported by Tim Fulton & Anna Greenwood
Sam Rich
TRUMPETS
Michael Kirgan
SECTION PRINCIPAL
David Johnson
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Cheryl Hollinger
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL EMERITUS
Mark Carter
SUB-PRINCIPAL
Supported by Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM, QSM
TROMBONES
David Bremner
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Matthew Allison
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
BASS TROMBONE
Shannon Pittaway PRINCIPAL
Supported by JBWere
TUBA
Andrew Jarvis PRINCIPAL
SUB-PRINCIPAL
Supported by Warwick & Linda Webb MNZM
HARP
Carolyn Mills
SECTION PRINCIPAL
Supported by Ainsley Walter & Mark Stewart
NZSO BOARD
Carmel Walsh Chair
Edwin Read
Wilma Smith
Claire Szabó
Kaine Thompson
NZSO FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES
Dame Patsy Reddy
Chair
Chris Finlayson KC
Christine Hainstock ONZM
Dame Bronwen Holdsworth DNZM
Paul McArthur
Ross Steele
Daniel Wong
Thank you to our supporters He mihi ki ngā kaitautoko
Cadenza Circle (Major Gifts)
Extraordinary gifts for rare instruments of exceptional quality and provenance.
FOUNDING BENEFACTOR
Ainsley Walter 1755 G.B. Guadagnini violin played by Vesa Matti-Leppänen
The NZSO Foundation
The Diessl Family c.1690 Gioffredo cappa violin
Fortissimo Circle
($25,000+)
FOUNDING MEMBER
Luke Pierson
Donald Best ONZM & Susan Best
The Diessl Family
Bill Falconer CNZM
Dame Bronwen Holdsworth^DNZM
Roger & Catherine Taylor Anonymous (1)
Maestro Circle
($10,000+)
Verna Adam
Dame Margaret Bazley ONZ DNZM
Donald Best ONZM & Susan Best
Peter Biggs CNZM & Mary Biggs
Jason Boyes & Nickie Van Der Beek
Sir Roderick & Gillian, Lady Deane
The Fairhall Family
The FAME Trust
Fehl Charitable Trust
Chris Finlayson^
Sir David Gascoigne & Dame
Patsy Reddy^GNZM QSO CVO
The Gibbs Family
Richard & Peggy Greenfield
Tim Fulton & Anna Greenwood
Dr Hylton Le Grice CNZM, OBE & Ms Angela Lindsay
Peter Masfen CNZM & Joanna Masfen
Peter & Juliet Rowe
Michael Snowden
Alison Thomson Anonymous (1)
Virtuoso Circle
($5,000+)
The Brandt Family
Marie Brown MNZM & Brendan Brown
Ros & Philip Burdon
Gillian Clark & Matilda Goldie
Susie des Tombe
Diana Duff -Staniland
Dame Jenny Gibbs DNZM
Joy Gray & Robin Hilson
Brian & Sally Hasell
Holdsworth Charitable Trust
Kirsten Mason* & Samuel Chuffart
Deryk & Jan McNamara
Professor Jack C Richards
Heather Simpson
Gendie & Richard Sommerville-Ryan
Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM, QSM
Nimrod Taylor
Judith Trotter CNZM
Freya Wang
Warwick & Linda Webb MNZM Anonymous (3)
Orchestra Circle
($2,500+)
Ted & Ann Aspey
Paul & Sheryl Baines
Mark Barrow
Philippa Bates
A.I. Boddy
Virginia Breen
Alison Buchanan & Eric Johnston
Noel Carroll
Ian Fraser & Suzanne Snively
Holborow Family Trust
Matthew & Deborah Malaghan
Sir Jim Mann
John & Helen Meehan
Music Futures
Alan & Luba Perry
Warren & Anne Plimmer Foundation
Martin & Catherine Spencer
Dr Ian Town
Noel Vautier & Kerrin Vautier CMG
Barbara Wreford
Anonymous (1)
Artist Circle ($1,000+)
Odette Alleyne (née Outtrim) & Alan Evans
Julian & Selma Arnhold
Jenny Ballantyne
Anita Banbury
Lisa Bates MNZM
Susan Batley & Rob Hole
Alan & Sandy Bulmer
Judith and Colin Calcinai
Alison Cook
Margaret & the late Jim Collinge
Michiel During & Cathy Ferguson
John & Marilyn Errington
John Evans
Brian Foley
Catherine & Steven Fyfe
Mowbray Collectables
Michael & Creena Gibbons
Garry & Susan Gould
David & Sally Graham
David Grant OBE
Laurence Greig
Robin Henderson
Joanna Hickman
Bill & Clare Hodgson
E Prof Les Holborow
David & Heather Hutton
Marion Kiddle
Geoff & Elizabeth Lee
Drs Iain & Helen Loan
Linda Macfarlane
Ann Mallinson
Diana Marsh & Francis Cooke
Claire McDonald
John & Elisa Mendzela
Bill Moran MNZM
Jenny Mountfort
Ian & Kim New
Michael Nicholls
I. J. Northover
Barbara Peddie
Ross & Judith Pottinger
Miles Rogers
Seaway Cleaning Services Ltd.
Peter & Kay Squires
Terence & Lara Stevens-Prior
Ken & Mary Thomson
Michael & Margaret Walls
Daphne & John Wardle
David Weatherburn & Maxine Dixon
Glenda West
Carla & John Wild
Tim Wilkinson & Lynette Murdoch
Nicola Williams MBA MNZM
Kirsty Wood
Ross Young Anonymous (13)
Sonata Donor ($500+)
Eric Allan & Elizabeth Wright
Doug Arcus
Heather & Richard Armishaw
Warren & Margaret Austad
Lesley Ayers
Benita Barton
John Boscawen
Joy & Rue Bourke
Paul & Tara Brizzle
Angela Caughey
Allison & Victor Diem
Alison & Steven Dunlop
Tom & Kay Farrar
Roger Gyles
Cliff Hart
Gary & Helena Hawke
David Jenkinson QSM
Mr M Judd & Dr Eileen Bass
Jacquie Kean & Justin Smith
Jane Kernohan
Judith Knibb
Dame Dawn Lamb
Martin & Anne Lawrence
Annette & Ralph Lendrum
Bruce Rae & Margaret Mabbett
Dougal & Catherine McClean
Janet McFadden
Jeff & Marise McNeill
John Meads & Anne Marie Moorhead
Glenda & Peter Menzies
Doug & Adrienne Miller
Heather Miller
Shinji & Keiko Morimoto
Andre & Helene Muller
James Mutch Foundation
Robert & Helen Philpott
RGB Design & Print
Julia Risk
Warwick Slinn
Ross Steele^
Carol & Paul Stigley
Ms Claire Szabó^ & Mr Rowan Johnston
Jenny & Ian Thomas
Ruth Thomas
Andrew Townend
Nicola Varuhas
Peter & Kathryn Walls
Vivien Ward
Valerie Wenk
Barbara Wilson
Daniel^ & Kylie Wong
Anita Woods
David & the late Helen Zwartz
Wilma Smith^ Anonymous (16)
Minuet Donor ($250+)
Diane Ammann
Margaret Austin
Philippa Barker
Michael & Judith Bassett
Susanna Brow
Robert Carew
Colin Cheyne
Lorraine & Rick Christie
Sally Combly
Len Cook
Florence De Ruiter & Ian Duncan
Dick & Shirley Fernyhough
Jo Fothergill
Geert & Anneke Gelling
Sandra Greenfield
Judy Harvey
Ms Pat Hickson & Ms Josie Grace
Douglas G Higgins
Bernard & Angela Hill
Dr Kasia Hunt
Richard & Christine Irving
Morgan & Patricia Jones
Crispin & Elizabeth Kay
Ms Irene Lau
Douglas & Brenda Leigh
Lorna Leonard
C & K Lloydd
Lorna Macann
Ann & Fergus McLean
Michael Morris
J Mylek
Dennis & Gwyneth Norman
Vonnie Nunns
Stephen Oldfield
Rowena Cullen & Paul Oliver
David & Suzette Pearson
Dr Ann Pomeroy
John Reseigh
Felicity Richards
Janet Rochfort
Brigitte Schuette & John Davidson
Ken Sheldrick
Rory & Sue Sherlock
Adrian & Elizabeth Simcock
John & Judith Stratmore
Nelson Wong Anonymous (20)
*current NZSO Staff and Musicians
^current NZSO Board and Foundation members
Thank you to our supporters He mihi ki ngā kaitautoko
Trusts & Foundations
Pub Charity Limited
Ministry for Ethnic Communities
Mary Fitzwilliam Award
Auckland Council
Four Winds Foundation
Aotearoa Gaming Trust
Dragon Community Trust
Pelorus Trust
Blue Sky Trust
The Lion Foundation
Lilburn Trust
New Zealand Community Trust
One Foundation
Walker and Hall Trust
Palmerston North City Council
Todd Trust
Deane Endowment Trust
Fehl Charitable Trust
Hugh Green Foundation
Endowed Funds
June Violet Commons Fund
Emma & Jack Griffin
Charitable Trust
Reeves Harris Orchestra Fund
Take Note Trust
Special Projects
The NZSO Stabat Mater Syndicate
Val and Charlotte Gibbs
Dame Jenny Gibbs DNZM
Kirsten Mason
Freya Wang Anonymous (1)
Instrument Gift Circle
Margaret Doucas Estate: 1770 Johannes Theodorus Cuypers Violin –played by Andrew Thomson
Angela Lindsay: Circa 1700s Guidantus Violin –played by Anna van der Zee
Angela Lindsay: 1899 Chanot Violin –played by Kristina Zelinska
June Commons: 1776 Giovani Lorentin Fecit Violin
Erica Schorrs: 1834 Gaglianus Violin –for use by a member of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra
Michael Snowden: 1966 Haynes Flute –played by Bridget Douglas The NZSO Foundation
Vincent Aspey Society (Notified Legacies)
Viv & Duncan Bamfield
Mary O’Brien
Eric Johnston & Alison Buchanan
Vivian Chisholm
Gillian Clark
Bryan Crawford
Murray Eggers
D J Foley
Hermann Grobler
Maggie Harris
Cliff Hart
Anna Marion
Caroline Sanson May
Shar Miles
Dr Lynnette Jones & Deborah Mills
Lisa Bates MNZM
Hilde Otley
Mr Robinson
Peter & Juliet Rowe Anonymous (16)
Realised Legacies (2007 to present)
Leslie Austin
Mrs Ursula Bayfield
Barbara Kathleen Bird
Susan Branch
Peter Brooks
Mary E Brown
Judith Clark
William Clayton
Frederick Coad
Jane Crosse
Dale Densem
Joan Dingley
Tony Haas & Tricia Donnelly
Margaret Doucas
A R Edmonds
Margaret Everton
Mary Fitzwilliam
Owen Gebbie
Valerie & Kelvin Grant
John Gould
Kathleen Hughes
Murray Ireland
Allan Silas Jenkins
William Johnstone
Gendie Jury
Marie Lockey
Peter Lorimer
Morag MacDonald
Ray Martin
Corinne Shirley Opie
Zita Outtrim
Anne Pengelly
Ailsa Salt
Erika Schorss
Keith L Stichbury
Monica Taylor
E Prof Ann Trotter ONZM
The FAME Trust
Lesley Wyatt
Peter Young Anonymous (3)
By being present in a concert hall, listening to an NZSO performance, we experience and understand music through the emotions it evokes in us, in a way that nothing else can. Exhilarating performances and unique interpretations by world class musicians working in harmony with the conductor provides an experience that stays with us long after the final notes are played.
The language of symphonic music is communicated on many levels, through all our senses. As Leonard Bernstein said “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”
Its value is mysterious and wondrous. It is not capable of measurement by algorithm or scientific equation. That is why the NZSO is an essential part of our culture and our community.
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.
This is what the NZSO gives us. Let’s make sure future generations can experience this gift, too.
Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM QSO CVO Chair, The NZSO Foundation
Our Three Fundraising Pillars
Concerts and Touring
A gift to help underpin the world-class concerts that you see and hear each season in concert halls around the country – including digital streaming of artistic projects.
Professional Development
Assists the next generation of artists: NZSO National Youth Orchestra, Emerging Artists, NZSO Foundation Masterclasses, Todd Young Composers and Conductors Fellowship.
Community, Schools and Accessibility Initiatives
The work of the NZSO Animateur, Pre-concert talks, Schools’ Concerts, Tamariki Time and Relaxed Concerts, Storytime and new music commissions, online classroom sessions and Creative Music Workshops in Schools.
Concert Sponsorship
When you partner with the NZSO, you’re in great company. Align with an iconic national brand renowned for artistic excellence and position your business as a champion of the arts.
We assist with all aspects of your sponsorship including private entertaining and ticketing arrangements to create memorable networking and entertainment packages.
We will ensure you and your guests are treated to a world-class experience celebrating tradition and innovation in music. All packages are bespoke.
Contact
If you would like to discuss supporting the NZSO please contact: Carleen Ebbs carleen.ebbs@nzso.co.nz
What Does Your Support Do?
• $5,000 sponsors a Musician’s Chair in the NZSO, directly supporting NZSO concerts
• $1,500 gives four young musicians the opportunity for masterclass coaching by a leading international artist
• $300 gives 30 children their first symphonic experience
• $500 allows 100 children to participate in Creative Music Workshops in Schools
• $500 covers freight and hire of our musician’s scores for a concert
Special Projects
Get in touch to find out how you can support:
• a young artist in the 2025 Emerging Artists
• the library costs for a work in our 2025 Season
• a new music commission (gifts from $2,500)
• performances by leading international conductors and soloists with the NZSO
Leave a Legacy
Give the lasting gift of music
Leaving a gift to the NZSO Foundation in your Will contributes to the sustainable future of the Orchestra. Invested in the NZSO Foundation’s Endowment Fund, a bequest lasts beyond a lifetime supporting the orchestra for future generations.
Gifts in Memory
Consider making a dedication to a loved one by sponsoring a Musician’s Chair in the orchestra as an enduring way to keep their passion for artists and music alive at NZSO concerts.
Contact
If you would like to discuss our bequest programme to consider leaving that special gift, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Chantal Woodfine chantal.woodfine@nzso.co.nz
+64 27 340 0640
Your gift will ensure the music plays on.
Join our Giving Programme
Gifts made to the NZSO Foundation have a direct impact on inspiring a love for orchestral music throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We invite you to join a proud community which contributes to the future of orchestral music in New Zealand and supports profound musical experiences for people of all ages across the country.
Minuet Donor
$250–$499
– Personal in-house ticketing experience
– Backstage Pass printed donor publication
– Electronic Member and Donor newsletter
– Recognition on the NZSO website
Sonata Donor
$500–$999
All benefits listed above plus
– Invitation to a behind-the-scenes rehearsal experience in Wellington
Artist Circle
$1,000–$2,499
All benefits listed above plus
– Two (2) invitations per year to VIP pre-concert hosting with NZSO hospitality in your home base (hosting events are predominantly held in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch)
– Invitations to multiple behind-the-scenes rehearsal experiences featuring leading conductors and soloists
Orchestra Circle
$2,500–$4,999
All benefits listed above plus
– Invitation to all VIP pre-concert hosting events with NZSO hospitality in your home base (hosting events are predominantly held in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch)
NZSO Musicians’ Chair Sponsors from $5,000
NZSO Musicians’ Chair Sponsors are our greatest ambassadors. A gift from $5,000 gives a unique philanthropic opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and gain a deeper understanding of our art form and connection to NZSO musicians.
Virtuoso Circle
$5,000
All benefits listed above plus
– The opportunity to partner with an NZSO musician to build a close relationship with the NZSO
– Recognition alongside your sponsored NZSO musician
– An invitation to an NZSO curated and performed chamber music concert exclusively for NZSO Chair Sponsors with the option to bring a guest
Maestro Circle
$10,000
All benefits listed above plus
– The opportunity to partner with a Section Principal in the NZSO to build a close relationship with the NZSO
– recognition and close engagement as one of the NZSO’s foremost ambassadors alongside your sponsored NZSO musician
Mihi
Supported by Wellington Partner
Major Touring Partners
Sponsors and Industry Partners
Media Partners
Advancement and Special Project Partners
We’re working with Trees That Count to mitigate our carbon footprint over the next 50 years and help protect New Zealand’s threatened biodiversity. That’s good for our carbon footprint, and good for Aotearoa.
NZSO works in collaboration with SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music
