A Hungarian sensation and Kiwi virtuoso for a Bartók masterpiece   

Experience an extraordinary evening of music as acclaimed Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli makes his debut with the NZSO in two electrifying concerts. Joining him is celebrated New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall, who performs Bartók’s deeply evocative and folk-inspired Second Violin Concerto.

Echoes of Home: Bartók & Dvořák in Wellington (23 May) and Christchurch (26 May) opens with a quintessentially Kiwi creation: Douglas Lilburn’s Aotearoa Overture, a rousing tribute to New Zealand's majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. (In 1960 the NZSO in 1960 was the first New Zealand orchestra to perform this iconic work live.)

The programme also features Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony, a soul-stirring masterpiece inspired by the composer’s love for his Czech homeland.

Hall, one of New Zealand's most renowned violinists, first captivated audiences with her NZSO debut in 2022. Her dazzling virtuosity has been praised by The Post, The New Zealand Herald, and The Strad, which lauded her “blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity.”

Besides her brilliance as a soloist, Hall serves as Concertmaster for Orchestra Wellington and performs with NZTrio, showcasing her versatility across music.

Maestro Káli, a graduate of the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest, has risen to international acclaim after his sensational debut with the Budapest Festival Orchestra in 2019. A recipient of the prestigious Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award, his expertise in Bartók’s works and innovative approach have secured him invitations to lead major orchestras and opera houses around the world.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to hear Bartók’s masterwork and more brought to life by two exceptional talents.

Mana Moana returns to Wellington in July

Tonight, the fusion of symphony and songs of the Pacific returns with the power and energy of Mana Moana at Auckland’s Spark Arena.

With Wellington’s wild weather impacting the NZSO’s ability to travel, we’re extremely grateful to the musicians of the Auckland Philharmonia, whose will join a select number of NZSO musicians and the Signature Choir on stage tonight, presented in collaboration with Live Nation.

We’re also delighted to announce that Mana Moana will return to Wellington this July!

This breathtaking fusion of symphony and Pacific songs features the 80-strong Signature Choir alongside the NZSO to showcase traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

When Mana Moana was last performed in the Capital in 2022, the audience loved every minute. Here’s a chance to again enjoy this unique musical experience at the Michael Fowler Centre. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Signature Choir music director Helen Tupai says Mana Moana “is a true celebration of community, culture, and the richness of Pasifika music.”

“By fusing the power of Pasifika choral excellence with the grandeur of a full orchestra, we create something truly magical—an experience that moves the heart and uplifts the spirit.

“Seeing our community’s joy and pride as their songs came to life in such a groundbreaking way was life-changing, and 2025 will take that experience to the next level.”

As with tonight’s concert in Auckland, the NZSO will be led by Brent Stewart for the Wellington performances.

Our thanks to Pub Charity, Auckland Council and The Trusts Community Foundation for their generous funding towards Mana Moana.

Don’t miss legendary conductor Masaaki Suzuki lead the NZSO next week 

For the first time, renowned conductor, harpsichordist, and organist Masaaki Suzuki leads the NZSO in an exhilarating programme featuring masterpieces by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.

The Hamilton concert on 11 May is sold out but there are still tickets available to our Wellington performance (9 May) and Auckland (10 May).

Hailed by Britain’s The Guardian as “simply breathtaking,” Maestro Suzuki is celebrated for his expertise in Baroque-era music, his leading interpretations of Bach, and his exciting renditions of Mozart and Beethoven.

In the programme, Legends: Mozart & Beethoven, you’ll hear the drama of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25, the groundbreaking brilliance of Beethoven’s Third Symphony Eroica and the sublime beauty of Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3.

This is your chance to experience one of the most revered figures in classical music. Secure your tickets for this momentous occasion before it’s too late!

Experience the NZSO's Masterworks tour in your town

This May and June, the NZSO brings an extraordinary selection of orchestral music to Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, Manukau, and Kerikeri as part of its annual Setting Up Camp tour.

This is your chance to hear beloved classics by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Grieg in a series of performances that promise to captivate audiences.

Masterworks: Mozart, Beethoven & Haydn features NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd on the podium, with NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen as the soloist for Mozart’s enchanting Fifth Violin Concerto. Each centre’s programme has been specially curated for an unforgettable experience.

Wellington & Blenheim: Mozart’s Violin Concerto joins Suite No. 1 from Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Beethoven’s iconic Sixth Symphony (Pastoral), and the world premiere of Kiwi composer Briar Prastiti’s The Garden. 

Manukau & Kerikeri: Enjoy The Garden, Grieg’s Peer Gynt and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, along with Haydn’s majestic Symphony No. 100 (Military). 

Nelson: Highlights include Military, Mozart’s Fifth Violin Concerto, and his thrilling Abduction from the Seraglio Overture.

Beyond the concerts, Setting Up Camp brings the joy of music to every community with daytime events like Schools' Concerts, Relaxed Concerts for neurodivergent individuals, and Side-by-Side sessions featuring local musicians playing alongside NZSO members.

“New Zealand produces outstanding new music across genres, and we’re thrilled to showcase Briar Prastiti’s The Garden,” says Maestro Judd. “Coupled with Grieg and Beethoven’s tributes to the natural world, this programme reflects the profound emotions we experience through nature’s beauty.”

From timeless classics to a fresh New Zealand composition, Masterworks is an event not to be missed. Get your tickets now and celebrate the best in orchestral music this season!

Our thanks to Pub Charity for its generous support in helping make Setting Up Camp possible.

NYO Adventure tickets on sale now

Tickets to NYO Adventure: Rachmaninov & Strauss in association with The Adam Foundation in Wellington and Auckland in July are just $10. That’s the same price as an NZSO Lite Membership, which includes two complimentary tickets to this exciting NZSO National Youth Orchestra concert led by renowned Canadian conductor Adam Johnson and featuring talented soprano Madison Horman.

Want to share the experience?

Become a Full Member for $30 and you’ll also get to ‘Introduce a Friend’ with a free ticket to one of our 2025 concerts*. Join now and save!

*‘Introduce a Friend’ tickets are subject to availability.

Enjoy NZSO players at Wairarapa’s The Runholder

NZSO musicians Jessica Oddie, Amy Brookman, Alexander McFarlane and Ken Ichinose perform an evening of pomp, circumstance and English charm at NZSO partner The Runholder this King’s Birthday weekend. 

Live music, shared platters and traditional Southern Station beef rib eye roast served with all the trimmings! 

NZSO features on box office smash A Minecraft Movie

Since its release in April, Hollywood block buster A Minecraft Movie has topped the box office around the world and is already the second highest earning film of 2025. Best of all, the thrilling soundtrack is performed by the NZSO!

The orchestra plays music composed by the legendary Mark Mothersbaugh (the LEGO®movies, Thor: Ragnarok).

Mark, also a member of chart-topping new wave band Devo, had this to say about working with the NZSO for the first time:

“We weren’t sure what to expect flying into Wellington, but the orchestra was outstanding! Great team to work with, and a great working environment. The score was just complicated enough to have some concerns but the NZSO addressed any issues that arose and handled it quickly and professionally. The end result is that we have an amazing sounding score for Minecraft! I would work with the NZSO again on anything and look forward to the next opportunity.”

Another soundtrack legend Karyn Rachtman (Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, Clueless) was co- music supervisor for the film, which also features Kiwi music stars Bret McKenzie and BENEE, and chamber choir The Tudor Consort,  who have all performed previously with the NZSO.

A Minecraft Movie continues to screen in New Zealand cinemas after four weeks at No.1. You can also enjoy the film soundtrack on music streaming services.

Farewell Rachel Vernon and Cheryl Hollinger

In April the NZSO farewelled two exceptionally talented and respected players that audiences across the country know well from their decades of performances: Bass Clarinet Principal Rachel Vernon and Associate Principal Trumpet Emeritus Cheryl Hollinger.

Both Rachel and Cheryl have retired but will continue to make music. Rachel, from Upper Hutt, joined the NZSO in 1995 and throughout her 30 years in the orchestra was an extraordinary musician, admired by her colleagues and the wider music community. Outside the NZSO, Rachel has performed with the Zephyr Wind Quartet, among others.

Cheryl, originally from Lititz, Pennsylvania, joined the NZSO in 2000 after performing with American orchestras, including the Louisana Philharmonic Orchestra as soloist and Principal Trumpet. Highly regarded by her NZSO colleagues and audiences, Cheryl has also been an inspiration for young brass players. In her retirment she will continue to teach students.

Rachel and Cheryl will be missed but we know they’ll continue to play, teach and inspire in their retirement.

Thank you NZSO Donors and Funders

Thanks to generous individuals, the NZSO raised $30,618 to support the work of our Learn & Engage Team throughout Aotearoa New Zealand! 

This funding directly supports workshops with our musicians in schools, resources for teachers, a schools’ concert tour to Wellington, South Auckland, Whangarei and Kerikeri, and performances as part of school holiday programmes.  Over 65 percent of this activity is fuelled by donations and ticket sales and our ability to reach more children in more regions is reliant on the generous support that we receive.   Thank you!

We extend our sincere gratitude to The Fehl Charitable Trust, One Foundation, Four Winds Foundation and the Hugh Green Foundation for their recent support of our Learn & Engage activities.  

The NZSO Fundraising Team has just launched our 2025 National Youth Orchestra Appeal. Write to us at fundraising@nzso.co.nz to find out how you can get behind this vital professional development week taking place in July. 

NZSO Conducting Fellow on the podium for Mozart's Requiem

Virginie Pacheco’s star continues to rise since she took part of the NZSO’s Conducting Fellowship programme in 2023 and 2024.

This month Virginie takes to the podium at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for a performance of Mozart’s incomparable Requiem Mass in D Minor.

The performance on 17 May by Wellington’s Supertonic Choir, of which Virginie is co-Musical Director, includes a small orchestra and soloists Carleen Ebbs, Anna Pierard, Theo Moolenaar and Simon Christie.

To complement Requiem in the rich acoustics of St Paul, the first half of the concert will focus on the duality of life and death and contrasts in nature with a selection of contemporary works.

Originally from France, Virginie earned music degrees in performance (recorder), music theory and musicology before moving to Montreal, Canada to complete a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She quickly gained recognition in Quebec, winning the Iwan Edwards Award in 2015 and participating in various festivals around the world.

Supertonic is a Wellington-based choir that strives to push the boundaries of what choral music can be. The choir was formed in 2014 and since then has performed concerts that cover the entire musical spectrum, from Vaughan Williams' Mass in G Minor, Vivaldi's Gloria and Faure's Requiem to pop and rock spectaculars celebrating Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Queen.