Our story
Welcome to New Zealand's orchestra. Since 1947, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra — Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa — has been the sound of this country.
For nearly eight decades, the NZSO has brought people together through music, performing everywhere from major concert halls to regional communities across Aotearoa.
As New Zealand’s national orchestra, we present over 100 performances each year while supporting young musicians, creating recordings and broadcasts, and sharing orchestral music throughout Aotearoa.
1946
The National Orchestra is founded after the Second World War.
1947
The orchestra gives it's first public concert at Wellington Town Hall.
1959
The National Youth Orchestra is founded.
1961
Igor Stravinsky conducts the orchestra
1974
First overseas tour to Australia. Featuring soloist Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
1988
The NZSO becomes an independent Crown-owned organistation securing its place as Aotearoa New Zealand’s national orchestra.
1992
The orchestra performs at World Expo '92 in Seville, Spain.
1996
Hit ENZSO concerts and album, featuring the music of Split Enz.
2001
NZSO contributes to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack.
2010
International tour to China, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia and Austria.
2013
NZSO records soundtracks for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies.
2016
The NZSO receives a Grammy nomination for Best Orchestral Performance for Zhou Long & Chen Yi: Symphony ‘Humen 1839’.
2021
NZSO performs with te reo Māori metal band Alien Weaponry and pop star BENEE
World premiere of Gareth Farr’s Ngā Hihi o Matariki
Board & Management
Meet the people who help shape the NZSO’s future and guide the organisation both on and off the stage.
Our Board provides governance, leadership and strategic direction, while our Management Team brings this vision to life by supporting our musicians, audiences and partners. Ensuring the NZSO continues to thrive as Aotearoa New Zealand’s national orchestra.
Our Journey | Haerenga
As kaitiaki of orchestral music, we will reach audiences and artists of all generations through collaboration and innovation.
Our performances will resonate across Aotearoa and beyond, sharing music that invites curiosity, breaks down barriers and creates moments of beauty.
Publications
Statement of Performance Expectations 2026-2027
CE Expenses June 2026
Kia Toipoto action plan 2025
NZSO Annual Report 2025
CE Expenses June 2025 - Feldman
CE Expenses June 2025 - Mason
CE Expenses June 2025 - Glaser
Statement of Performance Expectations 2025-2026
NZSO Annual Report 2023-2024
CE Expenses June 2024 - Biggs
CE Expenses June 2024 - Mason
Statement of Intent 2025-2028
Statement of Performance Expectations 2024-2025
NZSO Annual Report 2023
CE Expenses June 2023
Statement of Performance Expectations 2023/24
Statement of Performance Expectations 2023
CE Expenses June 2022
CE Expenses June 2022 Excel
NZSO Annual Report 2021
Statement of Performance Expectations 2022
CE Expenses June 2021 Excel
CE Expenses June 2021
NZSO Annual Report 2020
Statement of Performance Expectations 2021
Statement of Intent 2021-2024
NZSO Annual Report 2019
CE Expenses June 2020
CE Expenses June 2020 Excel
Statement of Performance Expectations 2020
CE Expenses June 2019 Excel
CE Expenses June 2019
NZSO Annual Report 2018
Statement of Performance Expectations 2019
CE Expenses June 2018 Excel
NZSO Annual Report 2017
Statement of Intent 2018-2021
Statement of Performance Expectations 2018
NZSO Briefing for the Incoming Minister
CE Expenses June 2017 Excel
CE Expenses June 2017
NZSO Annual Report 2016
Statement of Performance Expectations 2017
Statement of Performance Expectations 2016
Statement of Intent 2015-2018
CE Expenses June 2016
CE Expenses June 2016 Excel
NZSO Annual Report 2015
Statement of Performance Expectations 2015
CE Expenses June 2015
CE Expenses June 2015 Excel
Statement of Intent 2014-2016
NZSO Annual Report 2014
CE Expenses June 2014
CE Expenses June 2014 Excel
NZSO Annual Report 2013
Statement of Intent 2013-2015
CE Expenses June 2013 Excel
CE Expenses June 2013
NZSO Annual Report 2012
Statement of Intent 2012-2014
CE Expenses December 2012
CE Expenses December 2012 Excel
NZSO Annual Report for the Six Month Period ended 31 December 2011
CE Expenses December 2011 Excel
CE Expenses December 2011
NZSO Annual Report 2011
CE Expenses June 2011
Statement of Intent June 2011-2014
CE Expenses December 2010 Excel
CE Expenses December 2010
International Tour Report 2010
Statement of Intent 2010-2013
NZSO Annual Report 2010
Contact us
To contact the NZSO, please use the details below and a member of our team will get back to you. General enquiries:
info@nzso.co.nz
0800 479 674