eNotes July 2026

Support the NZSO in memory of a loved one

In January, author, archivist and NZSO legend Joy Tonks passed away, aged 86. 

Awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to the orchestra, Joy was a trailblazer at the NZSO as Personnel Manager and historian, and as a writer and mentor in the wider arts community. 

Among her many achievements, Joy wrote four landmark books covering the NZSO, the National Youth Orchestra and opera icon Dame Malvina Major. 

The NZSO is honoured to announce that it has received a gift in memory of this remarkable New Zealander and her husband, Ralph Tonks, from their children, Mike and Karen. 

Their gift from their parents’ estate will support the NZSO’s Creative Music Workshops, which are delivered nationwide in schools in 2026.   

Gifts in memory to the NZSO are a wonderful way to celebrate a loved one for whom music was truly inspirational. Supporting the NZSO in this way ensures that such inspiration is passed on to future generations. Making a gift during your lifetime also comes with the added benefit of a 33% tax rebate and can be directed to a specific activity, or to support the growth of the NZSO Foundation Endowment Fund. 

In their own words, Mike and Karen explain why they were motivated to make this special gift to the national orchestra: 

Music can change lives. This was true for both Joy and Ralph, whose lives were transformed by their exposure to the NZSO as young adults. 

For Joy, the NZSO became her lifelong career: from Personnel Manager and historian to the author of the NZSO's three history books. The magic and joy of the music, woven through the harmony and interplay of instruments, was a constant delight for them both. 

It is therefore fitting that the family of Joy and Ralph Tonks made a gift in their memory to the NZSO’s nationwide education programme. Their support ensures the NZSO will continue to invite future generations to experience the magic and awe of a living orchestra, and find inspiration just as Joy and Ralph did. 

Consider how you can celebrate a loved one with a gift in memory to the NZSO, to help the music play on. Contact philanthropy@nzso.co.nz 

Ocean of sound: NYO concerts tonight and tomorrow 

For an unforgettable live music experience, don’t miss the NZSO National Youth Orchestra perform its ocean-themed concert NYO La Mer in Wellington tonight (3 July) and Auckland tomorrow. 

Or you can watch our free livestream of the Wellington concert tonight from 6.30pm on NZSO+. 

Presented in association with the Adam Foundation, the concert marks World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-New Zealand’s 50th anniversary and features Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading young musicians under acclaimed conductor Dane Lam. 

The programme captures the beauty, power and urgency of the world’s oceans through Debussy’s La Mer, Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, the New Zealand premiere of Michael-Thomas Foumai’s Kealaikahiki Suite, and the world premiere of Pray for the wanderer by NZSO NYO 2026 Composer-in-Residence Jack Bewley. 

NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says the NZSO’s partnership with WWF-New Zealand reflects the connection between music and the natural world. 

“Music can amplify the call to protect our oceans, and environmental stewardship is enriched and inspired when it is expressed and appreciated through art,” he says. 

WWF-New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Jamie Fowler says the concert is a fitting way to celebrate 50 years of conservation in Aotearoa, with a focus on protecting the country’s vast marine environment and the extraordinary biodiversity it supports. 

“Music has a unique ability to connect people emotionally to the natural world, and this concert will be a powerful celebration of the ocean that sustains us all,” she says. 

Tickets are just $10.  

16-year-old piano prodigy makes his NZSO solo debut   

The NZSO spotlights one of the country’s most exciting young musical talents this month, as 16-year-old pianist Shan Liu makes his NZSO solo debut in Let There Be Light. 

Liu performs Prokofiev’s dazzling Piano Concerto No. 3 with renowned Spanish conductor Jaime Martín for NZSO concerts in Wellington and Christchurch. 

The programme pairs Liu’s performance with celebrated Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s Lumière et Pesanteur and Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4, creating a journey from darkness towards hope. 

A former NZSO Emerging Artist and featured soloist with the 2024 NZSO National Youth Orchestra, Liu represents the next generation of exceptional Aotearoa musicians. His mainstage debut highlights both his achievement and the NZSO’s commitment to nurturing young talent. 

Prokofiev’s concerto is known for its brilliance, wit and electrifying energy, making it an ideal showcase for Liu’s virtuosity and musical maturity. Still in Year 12 at Auckland’s Westlake Boys High School, he has already earned national and international recognition. 

Last year he claimed First Place at the National Concerto Competition in Christchurch, becoming the youngest winner in the event’s 57-year history. 

Under Maestro Martín’s direction, Let There Be Light brings together luminous contemporary writing, a brilliant concerto showcase and one of the great symphonic statements of resilience and hope. 

Martín, who last led the NZSO in 2018, is Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Ireland’s RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra through 2027. 

A former international flautist, Martín has appeared with leading orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and is recognised for championing new music and supporting young musicians.

Song Quest celebrates 70 years with NZSO 

The NZSO is excited to perform at the Grand Final Gala of the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest in Wellington on 11 July, marking the 70th anniversary of New Zealand’s premier singing competition. 

The legacy continues as the finalists sing it out for the winning title and a share of $95,500 in prizes before International Head Judge, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. 

Find out more via the link below about the 12 talented semi-finalists competing for the six places in the Grand Final Gala. 

The Song Quest has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s cultural calendar since 1956. Over seven decades, it has launched the careers of some of the country’s most acclaimed artists, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Phillip Rhodes, Jonathan Lemalu, Madeleine Pierard, Amitai Pati and Benson Wilson. 

Many finalists and winners have gone on to successful international careers, establishing the Song Quest as a globally recognised benchmark for young operatic talent.  

“Since my own time in the Song Quest, I’ve always seen it as a true test of both talent and endurance,” says Dame Kiri. 

“The ongoing pressure is what makes it such a unique challenge, where character is tested alongside vocal ability. The judges have done well narrowing the field to 12 semi-finalists, and the winner and runners-up will be decided at the Grand Final Gala on 11 July. I wish all the singers the very best for the journey ahead.” 

Secure your tickets for the Grand Final Gala, where six finalists perform live with the NZSO, conducted by Brad Cohen, General Director of NZ Opera, at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.

Simon O’Neill reunites with NZSO for Wagner celebration  

A special highlight of our winter concerts is the return of one New Zealand’s greatest tenors: Simon O’Neill. 

Simon joins us for Radiance, which reunites him with Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen for an evening of Wagnerian power, splendour and emotional intensity. 

Simon, one of the leading heldentenors of his generation, is celebrated on the world’s greatest opera stages for his commanding interpretations of Wagner’s heroic tenor roles. A regular guest at houses and festivals including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, La Scala, Bayreuth, Salzburg and the BBC Proms, he brings to the NZSO a voice renowned for its brilliance, stamina and dramatic presence. 

In Radiance, Simon performs powerful excerpts from Wagner’s Tannhäuser and Parsifal, music closely associated with his international career and long-standing artistic partnership with Maestro Inkinen.  

The concert also marks a special chapter in his relationship with the NZSO. Simon’s 2006 performance as Parsifal with the Orchestra was a landmark moment in New Zealand opera, launching a rich collaboration that has included Wagner concerts, acclaimed recordings and major gala performances. 

Maestro Inkinen’s return to the NZSO podium for the first time since 2015 adds further significance to the programme. His internationally recognised command of Wagner, paired with Simon’s extraordinary vocal authority, promises an unforgettable performance for audiences in Wellington and Auckland. 

The same visit also features Myths & Legends, our second programme led by Maestro Inkinen and featuring NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen as soloist in the New Zealand premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s Violin Concerto No. 2. The programme continues the Nordic theme with Sibelius’ Pohjola’s Daughter and the thrilling Lemminkäinen Suite. 

Radiance is in Wellington on 14 August and Auckland on 21 August. Myths & Legends is in Wellington on 15 August and Auckland on 22 August. 

Paws and applause at NZSO rehearsal  

The NZSO has again gone to the dogs—and in the best possible way. 

Last month at Auckland Town Hall, the orchestra, led by acclaimed Australian conductor Benjamin Northey and featuring renowned cellist Li-Wei Qin, performed an acoustic rehearsal for 23 guide dogs and their trainers. 

The special rehearsal, ahead of the NZSO’s performance that evening of Romeo & Juliet, was organised with Blind Low Vision NZ as part of training the guide dogs to be comfortable at live music performances. Maestro Northey and Li-Wei were thrilled to rehearse for the first time to four-legged music aficionados. 

For the NZSO’s players it was an exciting reunion, after previously performing a year ago to Blind Low Vision NZ guide dogs at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, South Auckland. 

Blind Low Vision NZ Manager of Training Operations Aimee Hickman says after the inaugural training session with the orchestra last year, the trainers were very keen to bring guide dogs to Auckland Town Hall and to a larger assembly of musicians on stage. 

“We had such an amazing time in Manukau and the team—staff and volunteers—were so excited to come again and to be offered this opportunity. For the dogs, of course, it was such an experience for them and we are very lucky,” Aimee says. 

NZSO Director: Education & Community Engagement Pascale Parenteau says this initiative is part of the orchestra’s programme so that everyone gets to experience the magic of the NZSO. 

“This means no one misses out on what we do and that will always include the Blind and Low Vision community. I also hope other orchestras and venues will follow in our steps in making orchestral performances more accessible and inclusive to all.” 

Maestro Northey also praised the initiative and the behaviour of the guide dogs as he led the orchestra in rehearsals of Barber’s Cello Concerto and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. 

“They were great listeners I have to say. There were a few barks of enthusiasm—or that’s what I’m hoping was the case. I’ve had noisy audiences in the past that were noisier than that. They were wonderful.” 

Alex Lindsay Awards close 31 July 

Time is running out! 

Applications for the 2026 Alex Lindsay Awards, Michael Monaghan Award and Giese Flute Grant close on 31 July. These awards are administered by players from the NZSO and are open to NZ music students of orchestral instruments under the age of 25.  

For more information including the application form and excerpts please use the link below.