NZSO Recording Aotearoa

We allocate up to two working weeks per year to NZSO Recording Aotearoa, subject to Orchestra availability and project approval.

This can be used for one major project or divided across several smaller projects.

Recording dates are generally confirmed 6–18 months in advance, depending on the size of the project. Smaller projects requiring only one or two sessions may be scheduled more flexibly.

A minimum of three months’ notice is required to confirm dates. Where possible, we schedule Recording Aotearoa projects around the Orchestra’s existing commitments.

You can submit an Expression of Interest whenever you are ready.

Applications should include information about the project, including evidence of artistic and financial support. Projects that align with the NZSO’s mission, vision and values will be best placed for consideration.

Please include any production or funding deadlines in your application. While we will consider these, we cannot guarantee that they can be met due to existing Orchestra commitments.

Expressions of Interest are reviewed by the Producer: Commercial & Partnership Programmes before being considered by an ad hoc panel of NZSO staff and players.

The panel may include the Concertmaster, Director: Artistic Planning, Director: Commercial & Fundraising, Consultant: Recording and Commercial Ventures and player representatives.

The Producer: Commercial & Partnership Programmes oversees the process and leads approved projects internally and externally.

We will provide a quote, agree on a working timeline and confirm the terms and conditions before active planning begins and the project is added to the Orchestra calendar.

The NZSO can assist with recording planning and implementation, as well as support letters and general advocacy. However, we cannot manage the project’s finances or apply for funding on your behalf.

The composer or project manager remains responsible for venues, artistic and production personnel, contracting and other project practicalities.

If unforeseen circumstances delay your project, we may reallocate your pencilled recording date to another NZSO Recording Aotearoa project.

If the project is already under contract, the relevant financial liability clauses will apply.

Projects may remain approved if the artistic premise is unchanged, but will generally need to be deferred to the following calendar year.

Costs vary significantly depending on the project’s instrumentation, recording length, venue, studio and technical requirements.

Once your project format is confirmed, we can discuss the likely overall costs to help you understand the financial commitment involved.

The NZSO can assist with planning and implementation but cannot manage your project’s finances or apply for funding on your behalf. We can provide support letters and general advocacy where appropriate.

If your project requires the Michael Fowler Centre, work with the NZSO to coordinate dates with both the Orchestra and Venues Wellington, and to place suitable provisional holds.

The NZSO can subcontract the venue for approved NZSO Recording Aotearoa projects where required. The project contract will require the Michael Fowler Centre venue hire deposit to be paid upfront, alongside the NZSO fee deposit. Venue technical and labour costs are settled after the project.

If the NZSO is subcontracting the Michael Fowler Centre, the project contract must be signed at least 12 weeks before the project start date. This is the deadline for confirming or releasing venue holds with Venues Wellington and establishing any financial liability.