FAQ

How often does the NZSO support projects under this programme? 

We allocate a maximum of two working weeks per annum to NZSO Recording Aotearoa. This is subject to being scheduled around planned or existing commitments in the Orchestra diary, and projects being approved to inclusion in the programme.  

The annual allocation can either be one major project or be divided into several smaller projects. 

How long does it take to get a project confirmed once in the programme? 

We work to a date confirmation window of 6 - 18 months for recordings depending on size of project. Occasionally, NZSO Recording Aotearoa inclusions to the calendar can be slightly more flexible (i.e. if project requires only a day or two of sessions). We'll look to integrate Recording Aotearoa dates into gaps in the Orchestra touring schedule that facilitate streamlining operational aspects wherever possible.  

Please be aware a minimum of three months' notice is expected in confirming dates.  

When should I apply for NZSO Recording Aotearoa? 

Whenever you are ready. To express your interest please visit here. 

Composer / creative teams must provide set information, including evidence of both artistic and financial support plans. Projects will have best chance of success if they show an alignment with NZSO’s mission, vision and values.  

Any deadlines that must be adhered to for production or funding reasons on the composer’s side should be clearly indicated when submitting the Expression of Interest. When applying, the composers / creative team should be aware that the NZSO may not always be able to meet these deadlines due to existing workload.   

The NZSO will convene a specific review panel if/when required.  

Who decides if a project can go ahead under this programme? 

Expressions of Interest are reviewed on receipt to the NZSO. 

Following an initial screening by the Producer: Commercial & Partnership Programmes, an ad hoc panel of NZSO staff and players will review the application and supporting evidence. The group will usually include (but is not limited to): 

NZSO’s Concert Master, Director: Artistic Planning, Director: Commercial & Fundraising, Consultant: Recording and Commercial Ventures and player representatives when required.  

The process is overseen by the Producer: Commercial & Partnership Programmes, who leads the project both internally and externally.  

What happens next if my project is approved for inclusion in the programme? 

We will provide a quote, agree on a working timeline, and ensure that all the terms and conditions can be adhered to before active planning commences and the project is put into the orchestra calendar.  

The NZSO will be able to assist in planning and implementing the recording but is unable to be involved in the financial workings of the project. We can provide support letters and general advocacy as required but will not apply for funding on the project’s behalf. Practicalities, such as liaison and contracting of venues (when not Michael Fowler Centre), artistic and production personnel will remain the composer / project manager’s responsibility.  

What happens if my timelines or finances change after approval? 

If unforeseeable circumstances stall the project on the composer / creative team side once planning is underway, we will look to give the allocated recording date pencilled in the orchestra diary to another NZSO Recording Aotearoa project if possible. If the date and project is already under contract, relevant financial liability clauses will be in action.   

Your project will remain approved if all artistic premises remain the same; however, it will likely need to be deferred to the following calendar year.  

How much money will I have to raise to make this happen? 

The budget scope for recording projects differs dramatically depending on the format (i.e. instrumentation and combined minutes of score to record), as well as size (i.e. what kind of sectioning we could undertake due to the style of music being recorded will impact which venue or studio is appropriate – who all have very different costs associated in both hire and technical provision).  

We are happy to talk through basic overall project costing implications once a firm format is in place to use in the exercise to ensure you understand and are comfortable with the implications of embarking on this journey.  

NZSO will be able to assist in planning and implementation of the recording but is unable to be involved in the financial workings of the project. We can provide support letters and general advocacy as required but will not apply for funding on the project’s behalf. 

How do I hire the Michael Fowler Centre? 

If your project requires the use of Michael Fowler Centre for sessions, it is best to work closely with the NZSO to both line up dates with NZSO and Venues Wellington, and get suitable pencil holds in place while scoping work is undertaken for your project.  

The Michael Fowler Centre requires public liability insurance that it is highly unlikely that individuals will have or be able to obtain for one-off projects, and therefore on request the NZSO will subcontract the venue hire for NZSO Recording Aotearoa projects. However, as the programme bears no financial responsibility for your endeavour, the project contract will therefore require the upfront payment of the Michael Fowler Centre Venue Hire Agreement pro forma invoice on signing of the project contract alongside the NZSO fee deposit – venue technical and labour charges will then be settled post-project alongside the remainder of the NZSO fee.  

It is important to note that if you are requesting NZSO subcontracts the Michael Fowler Centre to you, the project’s contract will need to be signed a minimum of 12 weeks in advance of the project start date as this is the deadline for NZSO confirming or releasing date holds with Venues Wellington and therefore if confirming the financial liability to NZSO is active from this point.  
 

The financial pieces of the puzzle you need to think about are:

Phase 1

Artistic fees: conductor, producer, soloists (non-orchestral), orchestrator and/or arrangers (if required) music hire/licencing (if applicable). 

NZSO fee: consultancy, operation and management, library services, truck, additional musicians, specialist instrument hire. 

Phase 2

Recording venue: pack in and out, technical equipment and labour, remote comms set-up (if any personnel off site), lights / heating / cooling (if not inclusive), catering for your engineer and artistic team (if required). 

Engineer team: lead engineer (including their prep and file handover), pro tools operator (and their session prep requirements), studio assistants, pack-in and pack-down costs. 

Post-production: edit / mixing by engineer or producer, desk and studio hire (if required), mastering. 

Final Phase

Product Design: artwork, promo shots, LP/CD production, digital and print campaign, accompanying AV material. 

Promo & distribution: publishing and label administration, marketing including plugger and p.r, record launch or promo events.  

Emergency Funds

In case of uncontrollable date deferment, session overtime, or unforeseen extended mixing requirements it is best to have contingency in your budget to manage this.  

Contact us

For enquiries and project consultancy, please get in touch: 
Carolina Borges, Producer: Commercial & Partnerships Programmes carolinab@nzso.co.nz.