Auckland Philharmonia

30/05/2026

This August, internationally acclaimed conductor Stéphane Denève joins us for The Magic of John Williams – an unforgettable celebration of one of cinema’s greatest musical storytellers.

Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and a renowned interpreter of John Williams’ music, Denève has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras. His passion for orchestral storytelling, electrifying live performance and close friendship with Williams makes him the perfect guide through these iconic scores

JBWere presents The Magic of John Williams
📅 7.30pm, Saturday 29 August
📍 Aotea Centre
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/JohnWilliams

29/05/2026

Registrations are open for our iconic Community Bash, taking place on Sunday 6 September at Auckland Town Hall!

Whether you haven’t picked up your instrument for years or are an experienced musician, all are welcome at the Community Bash! In this FREE workshop, musicians of all ages and abilities are joined by Auckland Philharmonia players to rehearse and perform a fun selection of music, led by conductor David Kay.

This year's repertoire will not disappoint! We'll be performing Orff’s epic O Fortuna, popular selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and the stunning waiata ‘Tōku Reo Tōku Ohooho'.
We provide parts for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, so anyone can join in to sing or play in this huge orchestra – just sign up and join the fun!

This event is generously supported by Foundation North.

Find out more and apply here: aucklandphil.nz/bash26

29/05/2026

This evening, at a special event at the home of the Hill family in Queenstown, the official 2026 Competition Draw - and, thus, competition order - was undertaken by Christine, Lady Hill and Executive Director Anne Rodda.

1. Leanne McGowan, Brisbane/Berlin
2. Hyein Koo, Seoul
3. Anaïs Feller, Vancouver, WA
4. Tianyou Ma, New York
5. Yeonoo Jeong, Seoul
6. Dindin Jingyi Wang, Melbourne
7. Beatrice Colombis, Sydney/Berlin
8. Jakow Pavlenko, Berlin
9. Alexey Stychkin, Berlin
10. Maxim Tzekov, Berlin
11. Julia Wang, Vienna
12. Hairui Lei, Philadelphia
13. Emmalena Huning, Perth
14. Ruiyi Wang, Shanghai
15. Yebin Yoo, New York
16. Xunyue Zhang, Berlin

26/05/2026

Tune in to this RNZ Concert interview with music therapist and teacher, Julie Wylie, to hear their discussion about the benefits of musical play for young children and her tips for encouraging learning through music at home🎶🛝

🔗

Music therapist and teacher Julie Wylie on her philosophy of Musical Play.

23/05/2026

Last month, it was wonderful to welcome a combined audience of 3000 tamariki and whānau to four performances of our Tunes 4 Tamariki: The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra concert! 🐘🦒

🦁This animal-themed music extravaganza featured a delightful Kiwi children’s storybook brought to life on stage though music, art and storytelling, alongside a zoo-full of singalong tunes.
🐑Many arrived early to take part in the free pre-concert activities, which included an instrument show & tell, facepainting and arts & crafts.
🐸Presented by Kath Bee - Children's Songwriter, alongside maestro David Kay leading our orchestra, this was a high-energy concert filled with music, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder.
🐦At the heart of the performance, Donovan Bixley Author/Illustrator narrated a spellbinding orchestral retelling of his book, The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra.
🦒We loved seeing so many families discovering the magic of the orchestra together – especially during our signature orchestra walkthroughs, where the audience was invited onto the stage to experience the instruments up close.

👏These concerts were delivered thanks to the support of Auckland Live, The North & South Trust and the orchestra’s core funders, Auckland Council, Creative New Zealand and Foundation North.

📸Sav Schulman

22/05/2026

In just one week, 16 of the world’s most extraordinary rising violinists will arrive in Aotearoa for the first round of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. 🎻

Since Sir Michael’s vision came to life in 2001, the competition has discovered and elevated rising stars from across the globe, many now among today’s leading violinists. We're proud to have been part of the competition’s journey since it began 25 years ago as its orchestra partner.

The first rounds begin in Queenstown before six semi-finalists take the stage in Auckland. We can’t wait to once again perform alongside three dazzling violin stars of tomorrow at the Grand Final!

Michael Hill International Violin Competition
📅 7.30pm, Saturday 6 June
📍 Auckland Town Hall
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/MHICVC

19/05/2026

Did you know that we offer music education sessions for Auckland ECEs?

This month, we’ve kicked off our Early Years programme for 2026, sharing the joy of live music with tamariki and kaiako at Kaurilands Kindergarten and Sugartree Lane. 🍂🎶

Now in its third year, this collaboration with Nurture People brings together music educator Zoe and two Auckland Phil musicians – flautist Melanie Lançon and oboist Nicholas Tisherman – for a series of playful, hands-on sessions filled with singing, movement, percussion, instrument exploration, and music-making, fostering a sense of belonging, communication, and wellbeing.

In addition to the sessions, we also provide practical training and resources for the kaiako to build confidence and creativity, encouraging music-making in the centres beyond the project. A special part of the journey for tamariki is attending a full orchestra concert later in the year, giving them the chance to chance to wave to 'their' musicians when they see them on stage.

A huge thank you to MusicHelps for their support for this programme and to our wonderful partner centres for welcoming us in — we can’t wait to make more music with you!

19/05/2026

Join the Auckland Phil Woodwind Section at Q Theatre for a relaxed Monday evening of smooth music, good conversation, and a glass of Cuvar Winery wine to start your week right.

With stories and the inside scoop from the best 'reeders' in the orchestra, connect with the musicians in an informal setting that brings you closer to the music than ever before!

Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or just curious, Phil After 5 is the perfect way to start your week.

Phil After 5 - Woodwind
📅 5.30pm, Monday 15 June
📍 Q Theatre
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/concert/phil-after-5-woodwind-2/

19/05/2026

Check out RNZ Concert's interview with Sheku Kanneh-Mason ahead of his New Zealand debut with us in August!

And in good news, there are now two opportunities to see Sheku Kanneh-Mason perform in NZ! Due to popular demand for The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Sheku Plays Elgar concert on 13 August, our Six-thirty Session: Sheku & Elgar concert on 12 August offers a more compact early-evening option to hear one of the biggest stars of the moment performing Elgar’s exquisite Cello Concerto.

Six-thirty Session: Sheku & Elgar
🗓 6.30pm, Wednesday12 August
📍 Auckland Town Hall
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/sheku-elgar

Conductor - Elena Schwarz
Cello - Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Elgar - Cello Concerto
Sibelius - Symphony No.5

Sheku Kanneh-Mason is one of the biggest stars of the moment, his accolades including BBC Young Musician of the Year and artist in residence at the New York Philharmonic. He'll make his New Zealand debut in Elgar’s 'Cello Concerto' with the Auckland Philharmonia in August.

Ahead of his August date with the Auckland Philharmonia, British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason talks to RNZ Concert's Bryan Crump about football, his phenomenally talented musical family, and playing Elgar.

Listen to that interview here or catch it on Crump's Classical Conversation podcast on the RNZ website or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎧 https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/three-to-seven/audio/2019034490/juggling-family-fame-and-football

18/05/2026

👏What an incredible evening at last week's Classic Series: Ehnes Plays Mozart concert!👏

"James Ehnes and Samy Rachid shine in Auckland Philharmonia Mozart concert" — William Dart said in his NZ Herald review of this concert, highlighting violinist James Ehnes' "ineffable grace" and conductor Samy Rachid as " a stellar force in his own right" 🎶🌟

🔗Read the full review: https://ow.ly/mZSp50Z0UlM

You can also catch James Ehnes on the judging panel at the 2026 Michael Hill International Violin Competition grand final!

Michael Hill International Violin Competition
📅 7.30pm, Saturday 6 June
📍 Auckland Town Hall
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/MHIVC26

📸Sav Schulman