Music Canterbury

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - University of Canterbury School of Music"
2024-05-15 13:10 - 13:50 (Pacific/Auckland) | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – University of Canterbury School of Music” on Wednesday 15th May 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
Top local talent on display
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

Schola Cantorum presents "Piety, Parody and Poetry"
2024-05-18 14:00 | St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 195 High Street, Oxford, New Zealand
Schola Cantorum presents “Piety, Parody and Poetry” on Saturday 18th May 2024, 2.00 p.m. at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 195 High Street, Oxford
Conductor: Courtney Hickmott
Entry: CASH door sales only. $20.00 general admission. Children under 18 free.
With the assistance of Creative Communities Scheme and the Waimakariri District Council.

Christchurch Youth Orchestra presents "Stories of Time and Place"
2024-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College, 12 Winchester Street, Christchurch, 8014, New Zealand
Christchurch Youth Orchestra presents “Stories of Time and Place” on Saturday 18th May 2024, 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College, 12 Winchester Street, Christchurch.
Pricing: $20/$15/$5
Dive into a journey through time and place with the Christchurch Youth Orchestra’s concert, “Stories of Time and Place.” Join us on May 18th, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Charles Luney Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of musical exploration. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, the flowing currents of Smetana’s Moldau, and the graceful melodies of Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. Let yourself be carried away by the epic tale of sailors and whales in Francis McBeth’s “Of Sailors and Whales,” and immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Kodály’s Háry János Suite. Don’t miss this opportunity to be transported through time and space with the Christchurch Youth Orchestra. Get your tickets now!
Contact person: Celia Stewart
Telephone: 027 529 9000
Website: https://www.cyo.org.nz/

Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents "Rising Stars 2024 - Lixin Zhang - Piano"
2024-05-21 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents “Rising Stars 2024 – Lixin Zhang – Piano” on Tuesday 21st May 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50pm at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Lixin is a brilliant Christchurch pianist who will soon be heading to Yale to complete a master’s degree.
Pricing:
Adults – $15.00
Concerts for Christchurch Friends and Friends of The Arts Centre – $10.00
Students (17 years and under) – $5.00
On the Day:
Purchase tickets at the Great Hall entrance from midday on the day of the concert.
In Advance:
Book your tickets at http://www.artscentre.org.nz
This series is all about encouraging, supporting, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.

Christopher's Classics Season XXIX presents "Aroha Quartet with Oleksandr Gunchenko"
2024-05-21 19:00 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Christopher’s Classics Season XXIX presents “Aroha Quartet with Oleksandr Gunchenko” on Tuesday 21st May 2023, 7.00 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
Haihong Liu (violin)
Konstanze Artmann (violin)
Zhongxian Jin (viola)
Robert Ibell (cello)
Oleksandr Gunchenko (double bass)
Boccherini – String Quartet in D, Op. 39 No. 3
Onslow – String Quintet No. 15 in C minor, Op. 29 ‘The Bullet’
Webster – ‘Swim with Sliding Continents’
Silvestrov – ‘Postlude’
Dvorak – String Quintet No. 2 in G, Op. 77
Acclaimed as demonstrating “accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity” (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s finest chamber music ensembles.
Okeksandr Gunchenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine. He became a member of the National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra at the age of 19 and at the age of 20 gained a position with the National Chamber of Ukraine. Oleksandr joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 2007.
Contact: Doris Barnard, cellphone: 0204 240 551; email:treasurer.christophers.classics@gmail.com
Series XXIX Concert Prices

DOOR SALES:

Cash Sales
EFTPOS, Credit Card

Adult
Student (ID)
Adult
Student (ID)

Subscription Concerts
$40
$15
$42
$17

Door sales are subject to availability.
ON-LINE SALES:
At www.eventfinda.co.nz (charges apply). Search for Christopher’s Classics on the website.
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION:
Adult
8 Concerts = $260.00
7 Concerts = $230.00
6 Concerts = $200.00
5 Concerts = $170.00
4 Concerts = $140.00
3 Concerts = $110.00
Season subscriptions are available until 29th February 2024 from our website www.christopherclassics.nz

DONATIONS:
Christopher’s Classics has to raise funds to supplement ticket revenue. We are a registered charity and donations over $5 are tax deductible. We welcome your donation.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - STAC Musical Showcase"
2024-05-22 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – STAC Musical Showcase” on Wednesday 22nd May 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
Choral and chamber items from St Andrew’s College
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

The Otautahi Vocal Ensemble presents "Illuminare"
2024-05-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street North, Christchurch, 8013
The Otautahi Vocal Ensemble presents “Illuminare” on Sunday 26th May 2024, 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street, Christchurch.
Pricing: Adults $15.00; Concession $10.00
Join The Ōtautahi Vocal Ensemble for our debut concert, Illuminare, featuring the NZ premiere of Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare alongside a selection of songs designed to showcase the many forms of spirituality.
The Ōtautahi Vocal Ensemble was founded earlier this year to fill a gap in the Christchurch choral scene – a group for “young professionals”, nominally 20-40, to come together and sing meaningful music. Our members work in all fields of life – science, the arts, education, government – and have a mutual love of making and sharing music.
Contact person: Courtney Hickmott
Email: theotautahivocalensemble@gmail.com
Website: https://facebook.com/events/s/illuminare/460452909868855/?

Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents "Rising Start 2024 - Rangi Ruru Girls' School - Showcase"
2024-05-28 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents “Rising Stars 2024 – Rangi Ruru Girls’ School – Showcase” on Tuesday 28th May 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50pm at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Rangi Ruru has a tradition of nurturing young musicians. They will present a programme which will include chamber music and more.
Pricing:
Adults – $15.00
Concerts for Christchurch Friends and Friends of The Arts Centre – $10.00
Students (17 years and under) – $5.00
On the Day:
Purchase tickets at the Great Hall entrance from midday on the day of the concert.
In Advance:
Book your tickets at http://www.artscentre.org.nz
This series is all about encouraging, supporting, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Christ's College"
2024-05-29 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Christ’s College” on Wednesday 29th May 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
A winning team of musical young men
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

Friends of the Christchurch Town Hall Organ Trust present "Organ Curator's Annual Concert"
2024-06-03 14:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
Friends of the Christchurch Town Hall Organ Trust present “Organ Curator’s Annual Concert” on Monday 3rd June 2024, 2.30 p.m. in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Featuring: Martin Setchell (organ)
Pre-registration essential at: http://organconcert2024.eventbrite.co.nz/
2024-Flyer-June-3-chch-curators-concert-link-better

Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents "Rising Stars 2024 - Burnside High School - Chamber Music Groups"
2024-06-04 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents “Rising Stars 2024 – Burnside High School – Chamber Music Groups” on Tuesday 4th June 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50pm at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
This concert will feature outstanding groups and musicians from Burnside High School as they prepare for the National Chamber Music Competitions. Rising Stars indeed.
Pricing:
Adults – $15.00
Concerts for Christchurch Friends and Friends of The Arts Centre – $10.00
Students (17 years and under) – $5.00
On the Day:
Purchase tickets at the Great Hall entrance from midday on the day of the concert.
In Advance:
Book your tickets at http://www.artscentre.org.nz
This series is all about encouraging, supporting, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Oliver Jenks"
2024-06-05 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Oliver Jenks” on Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
Evolution: piano works by Schumann, Chopin, Brahms/Cziffra and more
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

Woolston Brass presents "Seriously Brass: Paganini"
2024-06-08 19:30 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Woolston Brass presents “Seriously Brass: Paganini” on Saturday 8th June 2024, 7.30 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch

Music Director: Tyme Marsters
Guest Trombone Soloist: David Bremner

Programme:

– Land of the Long White Cloud by Philip Sparke
– Colors by Bert Appertmont featuring Guest Trombone Soloist: David Bremner
– The Spirit Within by Ben Hollings
– Sambezi by Philip Sparke featuring Guest Trombone Soloist: David Bremner
– Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby

Book now at Eventfinda https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/…/seriously…/christchurch

Christchurch City Choir presents "Bernstein's Chichester Psalms: A Concert of Psalms"
2024-06-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch City Choir presents “Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms: A Concert of Psalms” on Saturday 8th June 2024, 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at Christchurch Transistional Cathedral, Latimer Square, Christchurch.
Pricing: $25/$35
Christchurch City Choir presents Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a concert of Psalms. Conducted by Director of Music, Dr John Linker and featuring organist Jeremy Woodside, harpist Helen Webby, percussionist Ciaran Wright and treble Hamish Dark. Other Psalms include Mozart’s Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117), Brahms’ How Lovely are thy Dwellings (Psalm 84), Elgar’s Great is the Lord, (Psalm 48), Vaughan Williams’ O Clap your Hands (Psalm 47), Purcell’s I was Glad (Psalm 122), Bloch’s Psalm 19 and Mathias’ Psalm 100 for organ.
Contact person: Charlotte Ensor
Email: info@citychoir.co.nz
Website: https://events.humanitix.com/bernstein-s-chichester-psalms-a-concert-of-psalms

CBS Orchestra & Choir presents "Bach - Mass in B Minor"
2024-06-09 13:30 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Orchestra & Choir presents “Bach – Mass in B Minor” on Sunday 9th June 2024, 1.30 p.m. at Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch.
Programme admission: $25.00 and $30.00 with Eftpos at the door
2024 Poster B Minor
2024 Promo B Minor

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre presents "The Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series - Ali Harper, Tom Rainey and Michael Story (vocal, piano, bass)"
2024-06-10 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre presents “The Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series – Ali Harper, Tom Rainey and Michael Story (vocal, piano, bass) “ on Monday 10th June 2024, 1.10 p.m. to 1.50 p.m. at The Great Hall, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Pricing: $5.00 to $20.00
Join Ali, Tom and Mike as they treat you to a lunch filled with a selection of favourite jazz standards with a sprinkling of other tasty morsels. Perfect lunchtime fare
The Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series is your annual line-up of renowned local, national, and international musicians playing a curated selection of lunchtime concerts in the picturesque Great Hall.
Listen to the musical genius of Michael Endres, Suzanne Lynch, Ali Harper, Naomi Ferguson, Yulia, Woolston Brass and many more.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Gabriel Baird & Friends"
2024-06-12 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Gabriel Baird & Friends” on Wednesday 12th June 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
Multi-instrumental magic
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

CSO presents "Whitehead, Kuusisto, Sibelius"
2024-06-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
CSO presents “Whitehead, Kuusisto, Sibelius” on Saturday 15th June 2024, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 was the first work that our Sibelius Academy-trained Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey conducted with CSO – we return to this gem of the repertoire in celebration of Ben’s tenth year at the helm. The Sydney Morning Herald reviewed one of his recent interpretations of the work with “it was one of those performances where everything comes together magnificently to create a halcyon moment of surprised delight.” We pair Sibelius with another Finnish composer who local audiences will be thrilled to discover: Jaakko Kuusisto. The talents of British violinist Andrew Haveron will bring this virtuosic work off the page – as Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony, and former Concertmaster of the BBC Symphony and first violinist of the Brodsky Quartet, he is an artist not to be missed. The concert opens with a work written around the same time as Kuusisto’s concerto but on our shores: Dame Gillian Whitehead’s Retrieving the fragility of peace is dedicated to Lyell Cresswell, who passed away while she was writing the work, and she says “I think it may reflect something of the times we’re living in, but words can’t express as music does.”
Benjamin Northey: Chief Conductor
Andrew Haveron: Violin
Gillian Whitehead: Retrieving the fragility of peace
Kuusisto Violin Concerto Op. 28
Sibelius Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 4
Website: http://www.cso.co.nz

The St Albans Community Choir presents "A Festival For Winter"
2024-06-16 17:00 | St Paul’s Parish Church, 1 Harewood Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
The St Albans Community Choir presents “A Festival For Winter” on Sunday 16th June 2024, 5.00 p.m. at St Paul’s Parish Church, 1 Harewood Road, Christchurch
Admission by donation.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Chris Adams & Friends"
2024-06-19 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Chris Adams & Friends” on Wednesday 19th June 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch (or CBS Music Centre)
A musical journey to “The Waste Land” of T.S. Eliot
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

The Cecilian Singers present "Solstice"
2024-06-22 15:00 - 16:15 | Knox Presbyterian Church, 28 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
The Cecilian Singers present “Solstice” on Saturday 22nd June 2024, 3.00pm to 4.15 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, 28 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch
Pricing: $25.00 presale | $30.00 door sales
A choral concerting celebrating the Solstice, including a commissioned piece composed by Rosa Elliott, in memory of Nan Anderson.
Conducted by Jared Corbett, with soloists Thomas Woodfield (vocal) and Louise Chen (flute)
Contact person: Jenny Jamieson; Email: jay_jay@xtra.co.nz

Risingholme Orchestra presents "Aranjeuz!"
2024-06-23 14:30 - 16:30 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Risingholme Orchestra presents “Aranjuez!” on Sunday 23rd June 2024, 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
Pricing: Adults $20/Children $5
Aranjuez 2024 A4 final
A concert featuring international guitarist Matthew Marshall as soloist in Joaquín Rodrigo’s celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez. Other works include cornerstones of the orchestral repertoire by 19th and 20th-century composers including Ravel, Dukas and Rimsky-Korsakov; together with the world premiere of Ken Young’s Two Sentimental Pieces for guitar, harp and strings. We will also be playing a piece composed by our very own Philip Norman – The Dancer
Contact person: Kate McSweeney
Email: risingholme.orch@gmail.com
Website: https://risingholmeorchestra.co.nz/

Risingholme Singers' present "From Us to You"
2024-06-23 15:00 | Risingholme Theatre, 99 Hawford Road, Christchurch
Risingholme Singers’ presents “From Us to You” on Sunday 23rd June 2024, 3.00 p.m. at Risingholme Theatre, 99 Hawford Road or 26 Reeves Road, Opawa.
Tickets: $20.00 (Children under 13 free)
Music Director: Henry Nicholson
Accompanist: William Grubb
Guest Artist: Rebecca Harris – Bass Trombone
Contact: Jill Willmott; telephone: 388 3235; email: risingholmesingers@gmail.com

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Cathy Irons & Dan Robertson"
2024-06-26 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Cathy Irons & Dan Robertson” on Wednesday 26th June 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. in the CBS Music Centre, Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Douce Ambiance – light jazz classics
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00

NZ Opera presents "Le comte Ory"
2024-06-27 - 2024-06-29 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch , 8011, New Zealand
NZ Opera presents “Le comte Ory” from Thursday 27th June 2024 to Saturday 29th June 2024, 7.30 p.m. at the Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Music by Rossini, libretto by Scribe and Delestre-Poirson
Risque comic opera, sung in French with English subtitles
With Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and The New Zealand Opera Chorus
Cast includes: Manase Latu, Emma Pearson, Moses Mackay, Wade Kernot, Andrea Creighton
Director: Simon Phillips
Conductor: Brad Cohen
Set & Costume Design: Tracy Grant Lord
THE COUNT IS COMING…… BRACE FOR POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCES & SUBLIME SILLINESS
New Zealand Opera’s sparkling production of Rossini’s comic masterpiece Le comte Ory (The Count Ory) to tour Aotearoa this winter
Originally a comedy set in medieval France, this brand new production of Le comte Ory, led by internationally acclaimed director Simon Phillips (North by Northwest, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Elixir of Love), has been given a present-day facelift. Set in Aotearoa New Zealand, there will be plenty of local humour and references in this contemporary staging.
Le comte Ory follows the adventures of the charismatic and cheeky Count Ory, a perennial chancer and quite possibly the ‘World’s Worst Womaniser’. Seeing an opportunity to woo the lovely Countess Adèle while her brother and mates are out of town, Ory hides his true identity with a series of increasingly outrageous disguises and pursues a convoluted set of plots in an attempt to win her affection. What ensues is a whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, leading to a riotous finale, where Ory’s true identity is revealed, and true love prevails amidst the chaos.
One of the 19th century’s greatest and most influential composers, Gioachino Rossini (The Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, The Italian Girl in Algiers) is still widely regarded as opera’s best comic writer. His catchy and technically demanding melodies and witty, engaging plots showcase the vocal talent and comedic skill of remarkable singers, and Le comte Ory is no exception.
Leading the outstanding local and international cast, award-winning New Zealand-Tongan lyric tenor Manase Latu (Hamlet, Don Giovanni, Idomeneo) makes his role debut as the scheming Count Ory, and his appearance is supported by The Ryman Healthcare Dame Malvina Major Foundation Mina Foley Award. One of Australisia’s most in-demand sopranos Emma Pearson (Così fan tutte, Semele, Lucia di Lammermoor) will dazzle as Countess Adèle, complete with coloratura vocal fireworks, joined by mezzo-soprano favourite Hanna Hipp (Così fan tutte, Ariadne auf Naxos, A Handmaid’s Tale) from the UK, in the quick-witted role of Isoler the page.
Making a welcome return to New Zealand operatic stages for the first time in thirteen years, Baritone Moses Mackay (L’elisir d’amore, Lucia di Lammermoor, Cavalleria rusticana), one third of New Zealand’s highest selling classical trio Sol3 Mio, entertains as Count Ory’s pal-of-questionable-character Raimbaud. Recent winner of the prestigious 2023 Dame Malvina Major Award, Mackay has been enjoying a successful international career and has not performed with NZ Opera since he was an Emerging Artist with the company in 2012.
The talented cast also includes experienced New Zealand bass-baritone Wade Kernot (Macbeth, La Traviata, The Magic Flute), recently returned-home soprano Andrea Creighton (Mansfield Park, Der Rosenkavalier, Phantom of the Opera) and rising-star Tayla Alexander (Phantom of the Opera, Der Häusliche Krieg, Die Zauberflöte), performing with the New Zealand Opera Chorus in each centre.
Playing some of Rossini’s most exhilarating music, the full forces of Auckland Philharmonia, Orchestra Wellington, and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will perform in each city, under the baton of esteemed conductor and NZ Opera General Director, Brad Cohen. Cohen’s knowledge of bel canto is extensive, with a 2007 NAXOS recording of Le comte Ory in his discography.
New Zealand’s leading scenographer Tracy Grant Lord ((m)Orpheus, Così fan tutte, The Unruly Tourists) joins Phillips in breathing vivid life into the new production, adding her inventive design and flair to the production’s contemporary set and costumes. Award-winning Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall (Così fan tutte, The Unruly Tourists, Macbeth), known for his spectacular, innovative lighting on both sides of the Tasman, rounds out the experienced Antipodean creative team.
Hilarious, lively, and a little bit naughty, NZ Opera’s fresh take on Le comte Ory is an unmissable interpretation of one of Rossini’s funniest and most beautifully sung comedies.
Tickets are on sale now for strictly limited seasons in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Don’t miss out!
For more information visit http://www.nzopera.com/

Society of Performing Arts, NZ
2024-06-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
Society of Performing Arts, NZ presents “Triveni” on Thursday 27th June 2024, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch.
Pricing: $65/$85/$120/ – includes an invite to the ‘Meet and Greet’ with artists after the concert.
Zakir Hussain, Kala Ramnath, and Jayanthi Kumaresh are leading Indian classical exponents of their respective instruments – Tabla, Violin and Saraswati Veena. Each is renowned as a virtuoso collaborator, pathbreaker, and educator, advancing the art of their instruments to remarkable levels. Feted and honoured globally with numerous awards, each has successfully toured globally.
Zakir Hussain has won 3 Grammy Awards in the recently concluded awards ceremony in February 2024.
Triveni is the mythical site of the union of three sacred rivers in India. The name aptly represents the confluence of the varied musicality the three maestros bring to this unique collaboration in the sphere of classical music – an intricate, seamlessly woven tapestry of rhythm and melody rooted in India’s northern (Hindustani) and southern (Carnatic) classical music traditions. Triveni is a fluent, joyous and an entirely original musical conversation. The sheer mastery of the musicians makes Triveni a sonic experience of the highest order for global music afficionados.
Category A ($120) ticket buyers are entitled to attend Meet & Greet event with the artists, immediately after the concert.
Contact: Suruchi Vengurlekar
Email: suruchi@spanz.org
Website: https://spanz.org/

Christchurch School of Music presents "Matariki Children's Concert"
2024-06-28 14:00 - 14:45 | Christchurch Multicultural Centre, 455 Haley Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch School of Music presents “Matariki Children’s Concert” on Friday 28th June 2024, 2.00 p.m. to 2.45 p.m. at Christchurch Multicultural Centre, 455 Haley Avenue, Christchurch 8011
Pricing: Free – Koha appreciated.
We are excited to let you know about a Matariki Children’s Concert featuring our Intermediate Recorder Ensemble. Korimako Singers and our Suzuki Strings and some fun activities for all. We’ll have the parachute there, sing some waiata and listen to a Matariki story. Please register your attendance through Humanitix – entry is by koha. Bring a cushion to sit on – there will be chairs for those who need them. Suitable for all ages.
Contact: Celia Stewart
Cell phone: 027 529 9000
Website: https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-children-s-concert

Resonance Ensemble presents "Celebrating Matariki"
2024-06-30 15:00 - 16:30 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Resonance Ensemble presents “Celebrating Matariki” on Sunday 30th June 2024, 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
http://Click here to go through to Humanitix for tickets – NO BOOKING FEES
Celebrating Matariki – A Cluster of New Zealand Composers
Resonance Ensemble celebrates Matariki on 30 June with music by a ‘cluster’ of New Zealand composers. But don’t be daunted! As always, Resonance Ensemble has come up with an exceptionally innovative, exciting and appealing programme ranging from Douglas Lilburn’s iconic Aotearoa Overture written in 1940, to music written as recently as 2020.
The concert opens with Lilburn’s overture, a work of enduring appeal and probably the most often performed and recorded piece by any New Zealand composer. Pieta Hextall’s enigmatic and atmospheric Portrait from 2009 introduces the programme’s youngest composer with music of ethereal mystery and quirky rhythmic ambiguity, while Patrick Shepherd’s Waiting for Hercules, with its novel instrumental effects, brilliantly conveys a sense of excitement and expectation as the composer recaptures his experience of travelling to Antarctica on an Airforce Hercules.
Tony Ryan’s Omi-Kin-Kan is a short song cycle setting poems by Ursula Bethell and originally written when the composer was just twenty-one. He has now orchestrated it especially for this concert where it will be sung by Helen Charlton who has previously performed and recorded the original version with piano. Then, Maria Grenfell’s exceptionally beautiful River Mountain Sky, commissioned for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, paints an awe-inspiring picture of the Tasmanian landscape where the composer now lives.
The Juggler is possibly Christchurch composer Philip Norman’s most-played orchestral work. Originally performed on tour by the NZSO conducted by Ron Goodwin, and sometimes featuring an actual juggler, this colourful and toe-tapping piece was inspired by a street performer whose antics mesmerised the composer during a visit to Sydney. Dance rhythms are also a feature of Chris Adams’ Symphonic Dances in a strikingly varied piece that takes its inspiration from images of medieval and Renaissance country dances.
Coming from Auckland, Mark Hobson joins the orchestra as the soloist in the final movement of Tony Ryan’s spectacular and colourful Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra. Mark premiered the original version of the concerto in 1994, which the composer has now revised especially for this performance with Resonance Ensemble.
Then, to end the concert we return to Pieta Hextall’s wonderfully evocative miniature sketches of Tane-Mahuta and Tangaroa which she wrote for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s collaborative commission He Ngākau Aroha in 2020. This leads into a traditional waiata, Tarakihi, arranged by Tony Ryan, and featuring all the soloists and performers of this uniquely imaginative and innovative Resonance Ensemble programme.
Programme notes by conductor, Tony Ryan

Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents "Rising Stars 2024 - Samuel Jeon - Piano"
2024-07-02 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
Concerts for Christchurch Foundation Trust presents “Rising Stars 2024 – Samuel Jeon – Piano” on Tuesday 2nd July 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50pm at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Samuel Jeon is very talented young musician who has received many awards for his playing and musicianship. Currently he is in his third year of study at the Sydney Music Conservatorium.
Pricing:
Adults – $15.00
Concerts for Christchurch Friends and Friends of The Arts Centre – $10.00
Students (17 years and under) – $5.00
On the Day:
Purchase tickets at the Great Hall entrance from midday on the day of the concert.
In Advance:
Book your tickets at http://www.artscentre.org.nz
This series is all about encouraging, supporting, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.

CBS Music presents "Wednesdays at One - Henry Nicholson & Friends"
2024-07-03 13:10 - 13:50 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Music presents “Wednesdays at One – Henry Nicholson & Friends” on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 from 1.10pm to 1.50 p.m. in the CBS Music Centre, Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Fantastic fiddlesticks
A light lunch is available before each concert at 12.45 p.m. A wide range of performers is featured, in a superb acoustic, often using the Steinway concert grand piano, or the 4 manual Rodgers Infinity Platinum hybrid pipe /digital organ. Groups range in size from small chamber ensembles to full symphonic orchestras, with a particular focus on encouraging young performers, and inviting citizens to be welcomed into the central city Catholic church.
Organised by CBS Music: to nurture, conserve, inspire
Programme entry $15.00
