eNotes May 2026

Grammy-winning virtuoso with NZSO in May for Titan and Masterclass

Join us to experience a programme of myth, colour and symphonic grandeur in Wellington and Christchurch this month, crowned by Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 1, Titan.  

Leading the orchestra is NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, Titan marks the long-awaited NZSO debut of internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist James Ehnes, a Grammy Award-winning artist celebrated for his refined virtuosity and radiant tone.  

Ehnes will perform Erich Korngold’s dazzling Violin Concerto, famed for its sweeping lyricism, cinematic brilliance and spectacular orchestration—music that sparkles with virtuoso fireworks while giving the orchestra a brilliant opportunity to shine. 

A 12-time winner of Canada’s Juno Awards and a three-time Gramophone Award winner, Ehnes describes Korngold’s concerto as “lush”, “stunningly colourful” and even more thrilling in the concert hall than on record—a true showpiece that balances beauty, excitement and challenge. 

Opening the night is Thomas Adès’ The Origin of the Harp, receiving its New Zealand premiere. Evocative and atmospheric, it unfolds like a modern myth, tracing the transformation of a sea nymph into the harp itself—an intriguing curtain-raiser that sets the tone for a richly imaginative programme. 

After interval, Mahler’s Titan takes listeners on a vast emotional journey—from hushed, primordial textures and birdsong dawns to moments of irony and darkness, culminating in a finale of overwhelming power and joy. It’s a triumphant declaration by a young composer announcing himself to the world—and a thrilling showcase for the NZSO at full symphonic scale. 

Beyond the concerts, Ehnes will share his expertise in NZSO Foundation masterclasses with young New Zealand musicians in Wellington (21 May) and Christchurch (25 May). His Christchurch appearance is also part of a week-long series of events celebrating the violin, presented by the 2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the NZSO, Chamber Music New Zealand, the University of Canterbury and The Piano. 

Can’t be in the hall? The Wellington performance of Titan will be livestreamed on NZSO+.  

We’re grateful to everyone who helps make moments like this possible—especially Titan’s generous supporter, Bill Falconer CNZM. 

NZSO in Tauranga and Hamilton next week

We’re excited next week to be back in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato with Resurgence. 

A small number of tickets are still available for the Tauranga concert (9 May). However, our first performance at Hamilton’s BNZ Theatre on 8 May has sold out. 

Led by NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd, Resurgence boasts three much-loved works alongside a new commission, opening a new chapter for orchestral music in Kirikiriroa. 

Before the Hamilton concert, NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman will host a free In Conversation event on the programme and the orchestra’s return to Hamilton with Associate Professor of Music Michael Williams (University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music). 

The programme features Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony; Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony (‘Little Russian’), rich with Ukrainian folk melodies; Jessie Montgomery’s celebrated Strum; and a brand-new NZSO commission, Anthony Ritchie’s Fanfare Kotahitanga. 

NZSO free Relaxed Concerts in Tauranga and Dunedin  

This month we bring our Relaxed Concerts to Tauranga and Dunedin—free daytime performances created with neurodivergent audiences and the autism and disability communities in mind. 

Presented in association with Autism NZ and hosted by NZSO Music Education Animateur Chris Lam Sam, each concert includes a short Q&A and the chance to meet NZSO musicians. 

Relaxed Concerts have a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, minimal lighting effects, a dedicated ‘chill-out’ space, and (where possible) silent NZ Sign Language applause instead of traditional clapping. 

Tauranga: Saturday 9 May 2026, 1.30pm. Dunedin: Friday 15 May 2026, 11am. 

NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd will conduct. 

Programme highlights include excerpts from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, plus Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and Fanfare Kotahitanga—a new work by acclaimed Dunedin composer Anthony Ritchie. 

While Relaxed Concerts are free, bookings are essential.

NZSO & DSO unite for Mahler’s Resurrection 

It’s just two weeks until the NZSO and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra join forces for an exciting landmark performance of Mahler’s immense Second Symphony Resurrection. 

Resurrection – DSO and NZSO Unite brings together 120 musicians from the two orchestras and the 150-member City Choir Dunedin for an unforgettable evening led by NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd. 

The concert will open with Fanfare Kotahitanga, a new work by Dunedin composer Anthony Ritchie, followed by Mahler’s masterpiece, which NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman describes as a “Mount Everest of classical music”. 

This is a rare chance to enjoy two New Zealand orchestras on the same stage tackling one of the great symphonic works—and a world premiere by an acclaimed Kiwi composer. 

And joining the orchestras for this exciting evening are acclaimed soprano Anna Leese and mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble. 

Maestro Judd has a long association with both orchestras: he is also the DSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, and he last conducted Mahler’s Second Symphony for his NZSO farewell in 2007. 

This special collaboration with the national orchestra celebrates the DSO’s 60th anniversary.

A cello star and a classic love story 

Internationally acclaimed cellist Li-Wei Qin joins the NZSO in June for an unforgettable concert experience, featuring music giants Samuel Barber and Sergie Prokofiev, and renowned Kiwi composer Kenneth Young. 

Romeo & Juliet in Wellington (5 June), Palmerston North (9 June), Hastings (11 June) and Auckland (12 June) features Barber’s intensely lyrical Cello Concerto and selections from Prokofiev’s dramatic masterpiece Romeo and Juliet. 

Qin is in demand around the world as a soloist and chamber musician. The Chinese-born Australian virtuoso has performed twice at the BBC Proms, recorded Beethoven sonatas and major concertos, and appeared with leading orchestras across Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. 

Praised for a sound that is “incisive and searing, yet filled with tenderness” (Straits Times), Quin says one of the reasons that he plays cello is its versatility. 

“It can portray the lovely, flighty melodies of the soprano, the throaty tenor, and the tension of the dramatic bass. It's wonderful as the soloist and the accompanist.” 

Barber’s richly expressive Cello Concerto premiered to acclaim in 1947. It is known for being technically demanding for even the most experienced soloist. This is the first it has been performed by the NZSO. 

Acclaimed Australian conductor Benjamin Northey also leads the NZSO for selections from Prokofiev’s groundbreaking and beloved ballet score. From the courtly grandeur of the irresistible Dance of the Knights to the circling, slicing energy of Death of Tybalt, with luminous melodies capturing the lovers’ enduring story, it is one of the most popular classical works since its premiere in 1938. 

Opening the night is Young’s sweetly nostalgic Douce Tristesse, described as a “drifting, Ravelian waltz” (New Zealand Herald). 

Young, a former NZSO Principal Tuba and Conductor-in-Residence, is one of the New Zealand’s best-known and performed composers. 

Abbey Road senior recordist to head NZSO’s new studios 

Following a global search, we’ve appointed acclaimed British sound engineer Matt Jones as NZSO’s Principal Engineer for the new state of the art recording studios in Wellington.   

Opening in February 2027, Te Ngākau Recording Studios sits within the seismically strengthened and beautifully refurbished Wellington Town Hall, at the heart of Te Ngākau Civic Square. Bringing together the NZSO, the acoustically celebrated Adam Auditorium, and innovative recording facilities, the studios will deliver seamless, end-to-end recording services for both symphonic and screen projects. 

Matt brings extensive experience for his role as the studio’s Principal Audio Engineer, having spent more than a decade at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, where he’s worked alongside many of the industry’s leading engineers and composers on a wide range of orchestral film, television and game soundtracks, and contemporary recordings. 

Recent film projects include Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (composer Danny Elfman), Frankenstein (Alexandre Desplat), In the Blink of an Eye (Thomas Newman) and Pinocchio (Alan Silvestri). His game credits include Halo 5: Guardians, God of War: Ascension, Star Wars: Battlefront and Titanfall 2, which featured additional music recorded by the NZSO.  

Matt has also worked on sessions with well‑known artists including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Ozzy Osbourne, Little Simz and Morgan Wallen, and premier ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Manchester Collective. 

NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says the appointment marked a major milestone for the orchestra and its recording ambitions. 

“Appointing Matt Jones to lead Te Ngākau Recording Studios is a pivotal step for the NZSO — his international standing and depth of experience will help realise the full global potential of this extraordinary new addition to New Zealand's film and music industry.” 

Matt says he’s excited to join the NZSO at a key time. 

“Everything I hear or read about, and every photo or video I see of the work that's been done in the Town Hall so far gives me so much confidence that a truly world-class recording facility will exist there once it opens.  

“Being granted the opportunity to get in, essentially at ground level, and to help shape the way this new venture operates and grows is an enormous privilege.” 

The name Te Ngākau was gifted by Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui and carries the meaning of ‘heart’.

Support the 2026 NYO Appeal! 

It is thanks to the generosity of our supporters that the NZSO National Youth Orchestra celebrates its 67th year in 2026. In preparation for NYO La Mer in Wellington and Auckland in July, the nation’s best musicians aged under 25 will experience week-long intensive programme for an unforgettable orchestral experience of the highest quality. 

The NYO has shaped our musical landscape for over six decades and with your continued support, we can ensure that future generations of talented musicians have access to the same transformative experiences. By investing in the NYO, you are fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

How Your Support Makes A Difference 

Every contribution, no matter the size, opens doors for Aotearoa's gifted young musicians, making the NYO programme accessible and life changing. Your support fuels their journey to becoming our future music leaders. 

$1- $299: General Donation - Ensure the NYO remains a vital stepping stone for aspiring musicians. 

$300: Green Room Donation - for programme recognition 

$600: Sponsor a Chair - Connect directly with a young musician's journey 

$2,000: Sponsor a Section - Invest in orchestral collaboration and teamwork.

Join the NZSO’s Encore Bequest Programme 

By leaving a gift in your will, you become part of an exclusive group of donors who share a vision for a thriving future for the NZSO. A bequest allows you to make a meaningful contribution, without affecting your finances during your lifetime. 

In addition, we will welcome you into our Encore Programme. As a member of this exceptional group, we can say thank you during your lifetime and celebrate our mutual love of music together. You’ll receive invitations to VIP concert hosting and special events, along with regular updates on NZSO tours and activities. 

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what donors Peter and Juliet Rowe have to say: 

“We love the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and for decades have enjoyed its wonderful concerts. We have made a bequest in the hope that live performances of its transcendent music making will continue and be experienced by future generations.” 

Your gift strengthens the NZSO Foundation’s ability to support initiatives that sustain the orchestra and grow its audiences. Every bequest, large or small, supports the NZSO across key areas. 

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For regular updates, including how you can support this unique project, subscribe to the free National Music Centre e-newsletter.