Music Canterbury

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Fiona Pears Quartet
2026-02-23 13:10 - 13:50 (Pacific/Auckland) | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Fiona Pears Quartet” on Monday 23rd February 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Fiona is joined by Dan Robertson (piano), Pete Fleming (bass) and Doug Brush (drums), percussion to deliver waltzes for your lunchtime menu. From the tamest variation to the fiery tango, toes will be tapping.
Fiona Pears is a dynamic violinist renowned for her diverse musical style and captivating performances. With an extensive career that has taken her to concert halls across Asia, Europe, the UK, Ireland, and the US, she has connected with audiences through her unique sound.
As a composer, Fiona creates most of her own work and has arranged pieces for esteemed record labels such as Universal and EMI. She has composed and performed solo with renowned orchestras, including the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Fiona has also had the pleasure of performing at iconic venues such as Ronnie Scott’s in London and Joe’s Pub in New York.
Known for her unique fusion of genres, she draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of musical influences, including Irish, Gypsy Jazz, Classical, Tango, and more. This ‘melting pot’ creates her distinctive sound.
Currently, she is creating “For the Love of Music,” a collection of original compositions that blend her classical and jazz backgrounds into a personal fusion.
Based in New Zealand, Fiona remains dedicated to sharing her passion for music and connecting with audiences everywhere. www.fionapears.com
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/fiona-pears-quartet/

CBS Orchestra & Choir presents "Concert No. 2"
2026-03-01 14:00 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Orchestra & Choir presents “Concert No. 2” on Sunday 1st March 2026, 2.00 p.m. at Catholic Pro Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Further details to follow.

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Flavio Villani (piano)"
2026-03-02 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Flavio Villani (piano)” on Monday 2nd March 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Flavio Villani, an Italian-New Zealand pianist, made Auckland his home after moving from Italy in 2008. Since then, he has been performing nationally and around the globe to great acclaim, composing and furthering his knowledge, and sharing his love of music.
In this concert, Flavio will perform works by Bach/Busoni and Franck.
About the Artist
Flavio Villani is an Italian-New Zealand pianist known for his expressive performances and international career. He completed his piano studies in Italy before earning a Master of Piano Performance with first-class honours at the University of Auckland with pianist Stephen De Pledge. He has recently finished his Doctoral studies at the University of Waikato under Katherine Austin, with further studies at the Guildhall School in London.
Flavio has performed at festivals such as the Venice Biennale, Lamezia Classica and Pianino in Europe, The Gurwitz in the US, and the Auckland Arts Festival and Christopher Classics in NZ. He has performed with orchestras including the Auckland Symphony and the Orchestra of CalArts. His performance with Orchestra Filarmonica della Calabria was documented in the biopic “Crossing Rachmaninoff” (2015). He is also the director of L’Accademia, a music school in Auckland dedicated to fostering musical excellence and connecting with the community through live music
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/flavio-villani-piano/

Waimakariri Community Arts Council presents "Flavio Villani - Memoria: Echoes and Transformations"
2026-03-04 13:10 - 13:50 | Chamber Gallery Rangiora, 141 Percival Street, Rangiora, 7400, New Zealand
Waimakariri Community Arts Council presents “Flavio Villani – Memoria: Echoes and Transformations” on Wednesday 4th March 2026, 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at Chamber Gallery Rangiora.
Pricing: Adults $35.00 | Students $15.00
Memoria: Echoes and Transformations
Memoria: Echoes & Transformations unites classical and original music in an evening of reflection, renewal, and subtle emotional transformation. Pianist Flavio Villani presents a programme exploring how sound carries memory, reshapes emotion, and reveals new inner landscapes through its unfolding arcs.
Programme:
Bach-Busoni – Chaconne in D minor
In Memoriam Suite
Brahms – Rhapsody Op.79 n.1
Brahms – Intermezzi Op.117
Cesar Franck – Prelude, Choral et Fugue
The first half pairs the vast emotional arc of Bach–Busoni’s Chaconne with the intimate reflections of Villani’s In Memoriam Suite, shaped during a period of personal introspection. The second half moves toward Brahms’s Rhapsody Op.79 n.1—fiery, searching, and full of momentum—and his Intermezzi Op.117, described by the composer as “the lullabies of my sorrows”, before arriving at the spiritual architecture and luminous resolution of Franck’s Prélude, Choral et Fugue. Each work listens to what came before, creating an unfolding journey through longing, renewal, and the quiet transformations that emerge through sound.
Memoria: Echoes & Transformations offers an evening shaped by memory, imagination, and the gradual re-alignment of the inner world—where music unfolds not only as expression, but as a form of listening, understanding, and transformation.
About the Artist
Flavio Villani is an Italian–New Zealand pianist recognised for his expressive performances and international artistic activity. He completed his piano studies in Italy before earning a Master of Piano Performance with first-class honours at the University of Auckland under Stephen De Pledge. He is currently awaiting the final outcome of his Doctoral studies at the University of Waikato, supervised by Katherine Austin, with additional research undertaken at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Flavio has performed at festivals including the Venice Biennale, Lamezia Classica, and Pianino in Europe, The Gurwitz in the United States, and both the Auckland Arts Festival and Christopher Classics in New Zealand. He has appeared with orchestras such as the Auckland Symphony and the Orchestra of CalArts, and his performance with the Orchestra Filarmonica della Calabria was featured in the internationally screened documentary Crossing Rachmaninoff (2015).
He is the founder and director of L’Accademia, a music school in Auckland dedicated to high-quality musicianship and to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community through live performance and education.
Contact person: Louise Johns
Email: chambergalleryrangiora@gmail.com
Link: https://www.chambergalleryrangiora.com/flavio-villani

2025/2026 National Concerto Competition Final
2026-03-07 19:00 - 21:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
2025/2026 National Concerto Competition Final is being held on Saturday 7th March 2026, 7.00 p.m. in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Please click link below for further details regarding the Finalists
Finalists – 7th March 2026
Tickets will be available from Monday 2nd February 2026 at http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Pricing:
Adults | $49.50
Senior Concession | $44.50
Child/Student | $19.50

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Toi Toi Opera"
2026-03-16 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Toi Toi Opera” on Monday 16th March 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Ōtautahi’s own Toi Toi Opera is fast establishing a reputation as Aotearoa’s most exciting and innovative pint-sized professional opera company. Join a brilliant team of the company’s incredibly talented singers as they take you on an immersive journey into some of opera’s best-known and best-loved highlights in this gorgeous lunchtime concert.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/toi-toi-opera/

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Tiger Moth"
2026-03-23 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Tiger Moth” on Monday 23rd March 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
The seven jazz aviators return to the Great Hall stage. Enjoy the soaring vocals of Kate Taylor, powerhouse horn section from Scott Taitoko, Cam Pearce and Gwyn Reynolds, and tight rhythms from Tom Rainey, Mike Story and Luke Smillie. A fabulous selection of favourite melodies will be (circum)navigated
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/tiger-moth/

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents "Lamb & Hayward Curator's Series: Britten, Haydn"
2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Lamb & Hayward Curator’s Series: Britten, Haydn
Friday 27 March 2026
7.oo pm to 9.00 pm
The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
Benjamin Northey – Chief Conductor
Carleen Ebbs – Soprano
Britten – Les Illuminations Op. 18
Haydn – Symphony No. 45 in F# minor ‘Farewell’
Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations sets Arthur Rimbaud’s vivid French poems to music, exploring themes of youth, transformation and introspection. The work flows effortlessly between shimmering delicacy and moments of intense drama. We are delighted to welcome Aotearoa soprano Carleen Ebbs back to share the stage with CSO to bring Britten’s evocative sound world vividly to life.
Written during a long summer at the Esterházy estate, Haydn’s Symphony No. 45, famously known as the Farewell Symphony, combines wit, elegance, and a touch of humour. Its memorable finale features musicians quietly leaving the stage one by one – an ingenious hint to their patron Prince Nikolaus Esterházy (known for keeping his orchestra at the estate for long stretches), that their time away from home was long enough. This playful and charming symphony remains a beloved example of Haydn’s inventive spirit.
With thanks to PKF Goldsmith Fox, CSO Soloist Partner.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-lamb-hayward-curators-series-britten-haydn/christchurch

Resonance Ensemble presents Concert No. 1
2026-03-29 15:00 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Resonance Ensemble presents Concert No. 1 on Sunday 29th March 2025, 3.00 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
Conductor: Tony Ryan
Leader: Cornelia Didenco
Further details to follow

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Lumiere Trio (flute,/piccolo, piano)
2026-03-30 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Lumiere Trio (flute, flute/piccolo, piano)” on Monday 30th March 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Lumière Trio, established in 2024, consist of Johanna Gruskin (Principal Piccolo, NZSO), Hye-Won Suh (Principal Flute, CSO) and Jesse Oh who is about to embark his musical study in the United States this year. They are excited to share the beauty and versatility of the two flute (and sometimes piccolo) and piano ensemble.
Their sparkling repertoire offers flavours of Germany, Hungary, Britain, and Japan/France for your lunchtime fare.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/lumiere-trio/

CBS Orchestra & Choir presents "Bach St John Passion"
2026-04-03 20:00 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Orchestra & Choir presents “Bach St John Passion” on Friday 3rd April 2026, 8.00 p.m. at Catholic Pro Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Further details to follow.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents "Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Glinka, Britten, Shostakovich"
2026-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Glinka, Britten, Shostakovich
Saturday 18 April 2026
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Douglas Lilburn Auditorium
Christchurch Town Hall

Benjamin Northey – Chief Conductor
Jian Liu – Piano
Glinka – Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture
Britten – Piano Concerto Op. 13
Shostakovich – Symphony No. 1 in F minor Op. 10

Glinka’s rollicking Overture from the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila is one of the best-known orchestral show pieces. Rapid, driving rhythms and lyrical, courtly melodies open the curtain on a world of sorcerers, spells and swashbuckling romance – thrilling from the very first bar.
Britten premiered his own Piano Concerto in London in 1938, at the age of just 24, in a blazing display of bravura. This was Britten exuberant and unafraid. The reception was mixed, simply because the audience had literally never heard anything like it before. It is unashamedly virtuosic and unsparing in its demands of the soloist, and our soloist, Jian Liu, is more than up for the challenge when he joins CSO for this performance.
When the teenage Shostakovich presented his graduation project to the Petrograd Conservatory, he hardly expected to take the international music world by storm. Achieving nearly overnight international fame, his first symphony remains one of his most popular works. Constantly unpredictable, slipping easily between biting humour and tragic foreboding, it reveals a precocious command of orchestral colour and contrast that still keeps audiences on the edge of their seats a century later.
With thanks to CSO Soloist Partner PKF Goldsmith Fox, and CSO Library Supporters Gloria Street (Shostakovich) and Doris Barnard & Mark Hickman (Britten).
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-lamb-hayward-masterworks-glinka-britten-shostakovich/christchurch

Martin Setchell Organ Concert
2026-04-19 15:00 | All Souls Church, 30 Church Lane, Merivale, Christchurch, 8014, New Zealand
Martin Setchell Organ Concert on Sunday 19th April 2026, 3.00 p.m. at All Souls, Merivale, Christchurch.
This is a fundraising concert for the Methodist Mission.

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Justine Cormack (violin) and Sarah Watkins (piano)"
2026-05-04 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Justine Cormack (violin) and Sarah Watkins (piano)” on Monday 4th May 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Justine Cormack and Sarah Watkins, two of this country’s most beloved and respected musicians, have developed strong and successful careers both independently and together over the past 30 years. Raised in, nurtured, and inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand, these two kindred musical spirits have played together through high school and university in Christchurch, and were founding members of the ground-breaking NZTrio.
Join these award-winning artists for a performance of stunning violin and piano duos by Lilburn, Prokofiev and Debussy.
About Justine Cormack
Violinist Justine Cormack is AWE Festival Director and Concertmaster of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. A staunch advocate for creativity within Aotearoa New Zealand’s arts community, Justine actively supports and promotes creative communities both internationally and closer to home. Justine also collaborates broadly as a soloist, chamber musician and guest concertmaster.
Through her creative performance coaching business, ListenFeelPlay, Justine supports musicians worldwide, encouraging them to maximise their performance success and optimise their musical enjoyment through insightful mind and body awareness.
From 2002 to mid-2017, as a founding member and violinist of NZTrio, Justine performed throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South America, the USA, Europe and Scandinavia. During this time, the group’s commitment and passion for promoting New Zealand music saw the commissioning and performing of close to 40 works from New Zealand composers, proudly showcasing these compositions within the trio’s diverse programmes on the national and global stage.
Other career highlights include her role as concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia from 2000-2004, and as lecturer in violin at The University of Auckland following the completion of her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, NY, in 2001.
An active recording artist, Justine has soloed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and released duo recordings with pianists Michael Houstoun and Sarah Watkins, in addition to a varied catalogue of award-winning releases with NZTrio.
Justine plays an 1868 J.B.Vuillaume violin.
About Sarah Watkins
Dr Sarah Watkins has enjoyed an impressive and busy career as a collaborative pianist. She performed across Australia, Asia, the USA and Europe as a founding member of NZTrio from 2002-2018, and now enjoys a wide variety of collaborations with musicians throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
In addition to NZTrio, she has been an official pianist for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition since its inception in 2001 and the Gisborne International Music Competition from 2008-2021, and has performed as a freelance player in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Auckland Chamber Orchestra. Sarah has also appeared as concerto soloist with St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, ACO, and the APO, and in 2014 recorded Chris Watson’s “sing songs self” for solo piano and orchestra with the NZSO, a composition which was awarded the prestigious 2015 SOUNZ Contemporary Award.
An award-winning recording artist, she was named Classical Artist of the Year with violist Robert Ashworth at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards for their CD “Moonstone”, and in 2020 with violinist Andrew Beer for their CD “11 Frames”; ‘Sway’ (NZTrio, 2017) and ‘Gung-ho’ (2009, with NZSO principal trombonist David Bremner) were both previous winners of the Vodafone NZ Music Award for best Classical album.
Sarah is a graduate of the University of Canterbury (NZ) and the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned both Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in collaborative piano. While living in the US, Sarah worked as a staff pianist at Juilliard, Yale University, and the Aspen Music Festival. She also served as coordinator of the collaborative piano program at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California, and spent several years on the music faculty of Purchase College, New York. During the period 2004-2009 NZTrio was ensemble-in-residence at the University of Auckland, where Sarah taught collaborative piano and chamber music; she returned there in 2019 as an artist teacher and chamber music coach, and in 2023 was appointed Senior Lecturer in piano.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/justine-cormack-violin-and-sarah-watkins-piano/

Waimakariri Community Arts Council presents "The New Zealand Quartet from the Storytellers series: Origins"
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Chamber Gallery Rangiora, 141 Percival Street, Rangiora, 7400, New Zealand
Waimakariri Community Arts Council presents “The New Zealand Quartet from the Storytellers series: Origins” on Thursday 7th May 2026, 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at Chamber Gallery Rangiora
Pricing: Adults $35.00 | Students $15.00. Tickets at Humanitix
Behind every piece of music is a story and across their 2026 Season, the New Zealand String Quartet is diving into them. Join them at Chamber Gallery Rangiora for an evening exploring a rich cross-section of compositional voices and celebrating the art of storytelling through music.
‘Origins’ opens with a piece composed especially for the NZSQ: Mika Cornelius’s Universal Veil, an ethereal and atmospheric trip through the lifecycle of fungi.
Schubert’s vibrant E flat major quartet shows the teenage composer finding his voice before Gareth Farr brings us home with the infectious personality of Mondo Rondo.Grammy nominee and ‘Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart’ (Time Out New York) Missy Mazzoli reimagines a harsh desert landscape into something wild and buoyant in Death Valley Junction.
Origins concludes with the cornerstone of the NZSQ’s 2026 Season, a tribute to Benjamin Britten as they play all three of his string quartets in the 50th year after his death. His first string quartet, written at 27 years old, prompted musicologist Peter Evans to declare him “a master of tonal architecture with scarcely a rival on the English scene.” It spans the intimate, restless and sublime and forms the perfect ending to our meditation on beginnings.
The concert programme, crafted in the NZSQ’s signature style, aims to engage audiences of all levels of familiarity with chamber music. Each piece of music is preceded by a lively and informative introduction delivered by the Quartet members themselves. These introductions seek to shed light on the stories behind the music, making it an enriching experience suitable for all audiences.
Contact person: Louise Johns
Email: chambergalleryrangiora@gmail.com
Link: https://www.chambergalleryrangiora.com/nz-string-quartet

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra & Rova Present: "Opera Gala"
2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:30 | James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
CSO & Rova Present: Opera Gala
Friday 8 May 2026
7.30pm to 9.30pm
James Hay Theatre
Christchurch Town Hall
Dionysis Grammenos – Conductor
Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra proudly presents a landmark evening in collaboration with Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS (The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio), Aotearoa’s elite tertiary opera studio programme.
This unique partnership brings together the brightest voices of Aotearoa’s next generation as they launch onto the world stage – your opportunity to say, “I heard them first!”
Featuring powerful voices of Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS, this unforgettable evening will feature a curated selection of opera favourites brought to life with the grandeur of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Under the baton of Greek maestro Dionysis Grammenos, this concert is a celebration of the future of opera in Aotearoa and the living legacy of Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS patron and beloved Aotearoa soprano, Dame Malvina Major.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-rova-present-opera-gala/christchurch

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Darren Pickering Quartet (guitar, piano, bass, drums)"
2026-05-11 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Darren Pickering Quartet (guitar, piano, bass, drums)” on Monday 11th May 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Come and experience the Small Worlds jazz project live with Heather Webb (guitar), Pete Fleming (bass), and Jono Blackie (drums).
Another volume of melody-driven jazz has been issued by this musical collaboration with talented pianist/composer Darren Pickering.
‘Stunningly original & gloriously ethereal’ (UK Vibe)
‘Sublime’ (Simon Sweetman)
‘Perfectly melodic’ (Culture Jazz)
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/darren-pickering-quartet-guitar-piano-bass-drums/

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents "Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Gershwin, Jacques Brel, Weill"
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Gershwin, Jacques Brel, Weill
Saturday 16 May 2026
7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Douglas Lilburn Auditorium
Christchurch Town Hall

Jen Winley – Conductor
Naomi Ferguson – Mezzo Soprano

Gershwin – Suite from Porgy and Bess (Catfish Row)
Jacques Brel – Amsterdam: The Jacques Brel Song Cycle
Weill – Symphony No. 2 (Fantaisie symphonique)

Never ones for following the book, we’re gently bending the rules of a familiar Lamb & Hayward Masterworks concert to surprise and tantalise with something gloriously unexpected.
During the original 1935 run of landmark American opera Porgy and Bess, Gershwin wanted to preserve the life of the work he held so close to his heart. His solution was Catfish Row, a five-movement suite that wove the opera’s most memorable musical themes together. Artfully blending inspirations from opera, jazz, Broadway and Black musical traditions – it’s music that feels rich, alive and full of storytelling, transcending far beyond the opera house.
Ōtautahi vocal icon, mezzo soprano Naomi Ferguson, joins CSO to bring Amsterdam: The Jacques Brel Song Cycle to life. Known for his raw emotion and poetic storytelling, Brel transformed French music, and in 2025, we give his songs a fresh twist – delivered with power and poise by Naomi and our orchestra in this brand new cycle, orchestrated by Ōtautahi’s Alex van den Broek.
Kurt Weill is best known for his contributions to cabaret and theatre, but his Symphony No. 2 reveals a darker, more defiant side of his voice. Composed in exile after fleeing Nazi Germany for Paris, it brims with emotional tension, razor-sharp wit and theatrical flair. Bold, urgent, and unmistakably Weill, it’s a powerful reminder that Weill’s symphonic voice was every bit as compelling as his theatrical one.
With thanks to PKF Goldsmith Fox, CSO Soloist Partner.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-lamb-hayward-masterworks-gershwin-jacques-brel-weill/christchurch

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Helen Webby Up Close (harp)"
2026-05-18 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Helen Webby Up close (harp)” on Monday 18th May 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Helen Webby brings her Nikau harp out of the back of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to play joyful C. P.E Bach, Fauré and Debussy, along with passionate Glinka.
These magic harp solos will transport you into midwinter.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/helen-webby-up-close-harp/

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: AGGB All Girl Big Band"
2026-06-01 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: AGGB – All Girl Big Band” on Monday 1st June 2026 (King’s Birthday), 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
The AGBB consists of an array of super talented musicians presenting a powerhouse of sound. They perform jazz and swing music with tunes you know and love. Under the superb direction of Lana Law, prepare to be blown away!
Please note: This concert takes place on King’s Birthday Monday, which is a public holiday
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/aggb-all-girl-big-band/

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents "Lamb & Hayward Curator's Series: Ravel, Morello, Mozart"
2026-06-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Lamb & Hayward Curator’s Series: Ravel, Morello, Mozart
Friday 5 June 2026
7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch

Leonard Weiss – Conductor
Pablo Ruiz Henao – Bass Trombone

Ravel – Le tombeau de Couperin M.68
Nicola Morello – Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1 Op. 84
Mozart – Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K.201

A graceful tribute to friends lost in World War I, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin transforms remembrance into celebration of life. Originally for piano and later orchestrated, it weaves Baroque elegance with Ravel’s shimmering, impressionistic colours – delicate, dance-like, and deeply expressive. In Ravel’s words, it is “a memory of the past, but not a lament.”
CSO Principal Bass Trombone Pablo Ruiz Henao is centre stage in Nicola Morello’s Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1, expertly bringing to life the concerto’s dynamic textures and bold rhythms. With a mix of lyrical passages and thrilling technical brilliance, this piece offers an unforgettable solo performance.
The concert closes with Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, bursting with youthful energy and classical elegance. Composed when Mozart was just 18, this symphony sparkles with joyful melodies, crisp rhythms, and vibrant orchestral colours – a lively and uplifting finale that perfectly captures Mozart’s early genius.
With thanks to CSO Soloist Partner PKF Goldsmith Fox, and CSO Library Supporters Dr Kelvin & Mrs Carolyn Lynn (Ravel) and Lynn & Ian Lochhead (Mozart).
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-lamb-series-ravel-morello-mozart/christchurch

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Mark Hobson Collective"
2026-06-08 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Mark Hobson Collective” on Monday 8th June 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
This superb collaboration of Mark Hobson with his musical friends will undoubtedly involve saxophones, rhythm and a variety of musical genres. Always a class act with Mark at the helm directing this entertaining lunchtime event.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/mark-hobson-collective/

CBS Orchestra & Choir presents "Concert No. 4"
2026-06-14 14:00 | Catholic Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
CBS Orchestra & Choir presents “Concert No. 4” on Sunday 14th June 2026, 2.00 p.m. at Catholic Pro Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Further details to follow.

Royal Schools of Church Music New Zealand presents "Music Sunday - Junior Choirs"
2026-06-21 14:00 | Christ’s College Auditorium, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
Royal Schools of Church Music New Zealand presents “Music Sunday – Junior Choirs” on Sunday 21st June 2026, 2.00 p.m. at Christ College Auditorium, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch
Further details to follow.

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Lixin Zhang (piano)"
2026-06-22 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Lixin Zhang (piano)” on Monday 22nd June 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Lixin Zhang is currently completing his masters studies at Yale University, USA.
Lixin has been performing in lunchtime concerts with Concerts for Christchurch since he was at primary school. His debut album, released at the age of 16, topped the New Zealand classical charts for five weeks.
Now 24, Lixin is kept busy with international performances and competitions, most recently in Spain, Israel and Switzerland. He also has a strong commitment to mentoring young musicians, sharing his skills with students both here and in the United States.
Bio:
Pianist Lixin Zhang has been described as “Galvanic shimmering” (New Zealand Herald) and “Unobtrusive virtuosity with sparkling passage work and always flexible musicianship” (Five Lines Magazine). Having won every major national competition in his home country of New Zealand, he came to attention upon winning the Silver Medal and Second Prize at the 2021 Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition. Lixin has also competed in the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein and Sydney International Piano Competitions. At the age of sixteen, Rattle Records released his debut album, PLAY, which topped the New Zealand classical charts for five weeks.
Lixin has performed actively in Europe, North America, Asia, and New Zealand. He has appeared with orchestras such as Bach Musica, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and the Colburn Orchestra, among many others. He has collaborated with conductors such as Benjamin Northey, Rita Paczian, Ross Jamie Collins, and Luke Di Somma. Past performances include appearances at the Aspen Music Festival (USA), PianoTexas Festival (USA), Semaine Internationale Piano et Musique de Chambre (Switzerland), and Deia International Music Festival (Spain).
A strong advocate for music education and accessibility, Lixin is the founder of the ToneAce Academy. Conceived in 2022, the institution received a NZ PRESTIGE Award for Music Tuition Provider of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He also initiated the Neville Baird Impact Program, which focuses on helping talented children from underprivileged backgrounds access music education by providing scholarships, music lessons, performance opportunities, and audition support.
Lixin is pursuing a Master of Music degree at the Yale School of Music under the guidance of Boris Berman. During his first year of study at Yale, he received the Elizabeth Parisot Prize, awarded to outstanding pianists in the School of Music, and was appointed a graduate teaching assistant. Lixin received his Bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the guidance of Fabio Bidini. Previously, he studied with Michael Endres (former Head of Piano at Hanns Eisler Berlin) and Neville Baird in New Zealand. He has also received mentorship from Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Edith Fischer, Stephen Hough and Alessio Bax.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/lixin-zhang-piano/

Resonance Ensemble presents Concert No. 2
2026-06-28 15:00 | The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Resonance Ensemble presents Concert No. 2 on Sunday 28th June 2025, 3.00 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
Conductor: Tony Ryan
Leader: Cornelia Didenco
Further details to follow

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Ali Harper (voice)"
2026-06-29 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Ali Harper (voice)” on Monday 29th June 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Join Ali (vocals), with Tom Rainey (piano) and Michael Story (bass) as they treat you to a lunchtime filled with jazz standards, musical theatre and some other entertaining morsels.
We are always thrilled to welcome Ali to the Great Hall stage. With over 30 years of experience, highlights of Ali’s musical career to date include starring in My Fair Lady, Sound of Music, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Blood Brothers at The Court Theatre. and in national tours of Oklahoma and Evita as well as Mamma Mia and most recently, Menopause.
Ali has also toured New Zealand in Joanna Murray-Smith’s one-woman shows Bombshells and Songs for Nobodies and received awards in New York for both shows.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/ali-harper/

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra & Rova presents "Kiri and Lou in Concert"
2026-07-09 10:00 - 10:45 | James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
CSO & Rova Present: Kiri and Lou in Concert
Thursday 9 July 2026
10.00 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.
James Hay Theatre
Christchurch Town Hall
NZ Assistant Conductor in Residence

Join Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening as we bring the beloved Aotearoa children’s series Kiri and Lou to the stage.
Produced in Ōtautahi Christchurch and crafted with charming stop-motion animation from clay and paper, follow along on the adventures of Kiri, the feisty dinosaur, and Lou, her thoughtful friend, as they navigate a forest of adventure and friendship – told through live orchestral music and heartfelt storytelling.
Featuring the voices of Aotearoa actors Jemaine Clement, Olivia Tennet, and more, along with catchy tunes like the iconic Yum Yum Baronies by Don McGlashan and Harry Sinclair (The Front Lawn) reimagined with orchestra, this concert promises a delightful experience for tamariki and whānau alike.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-rova-present-kiri-lou-in-concert/christchurch

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra & Rova present "Kiri and Lou in Concert"
2026-07-09 11:30 - 12:15 | James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 8011
CSO & Rova Present: Kiri and Lou in Concert
Thursday 9 July 2026
11.30 a.m. to 12.45 p.m.
James Hay Theatre
Christchurch Town Hall
NZ Assistant Conductor in Residence

Join Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening as we bring the beloved Aotearoa children’s series Kiri and Lou to the stage.
Produced in Ōtautahi Christchurch and crafted with charming stop-motion animation from clay and paper, follow along on the adventures of Kiri, the feisty dinosaur, and Lou, her thoughtful friend, as they navigate a forest of adventure and friendship – told through live orchestral music and heartfelt storytelling.
Featuring the voices of Aotearoa actors Jemaine Clement, Olivia Tennet, and more, along with catchy tunes like the iconic Yum Yum Baronies by Don McGlashan and Harry Sinclair (The Front Lawn) reimagined with orchestra, this concert promises a delightful experience for tamariki and whānau alike.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/cso-rova-present-kiri-lou-in-concert/christchurch

The Arts Centre Christchurch presents "Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Yulia (voice)
2026-07-27 13:10 - 13:50 | Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, 8011
The Arts Centre Christchurch presents “Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026: Yulia (voice)” on Monday 27th July 2026, 1.10pm to 1.50pm, Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Pricing: $5 | $20
Internationally acclaimed vocalist, Yulia sings with beautiful warmth and sincerity. Alongside Tom Rainey (piano) and Mike Story (bass), Yulia will perform beautiful, lilting melodies to fill your Monday lunchtime with joy.
Contact person: The Arts Centre
Email: info@artscentre.org.nz
Link: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/yulia-voice/
