Wairua Sinfonietta

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Wairua Sinfonietta

Wairua Sinfonietta is an orchestra based in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded by the Music Director, Elizabeth Lau.

Together with the team, we have a strong belief that music can improve communities and unite the world. With the support of like-minded musicians and individuals in the community, we put on high quality concerts to support charitable organisations locally and around the globe by increasing awareness and raising funds.

25/06/2026

With gratitude from Wairua Sinfonietta

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our recent concert - Artley and Finzi: A Wairua Journey.

It was a truly special afternoon celebrating the music of our composer-in-residence - NZ composer Yvette Artley, Gerald Finzi and Holst brought to life by our wonderful musicians, soloists, team of volunteers, supporters and audiences. We are deeply grateful for the generosity, encouragement, and shared spirit that made this concert such a meaningful experience.

Through your kindness and support, we are delighted to share that $680 from the concert proceeds has donated to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.

At the heart of the Raukatauri Music Centre Trust is the beautiful belief that music belongs to everyone. Through inclusive music programmes and music therapy, they create opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and learning differences to explore creativity, develop confidence, build connections, and experience the joy of making music.

It is a privilege for Wairua Sinfonietta to support this inspiring kaupapa. This contribution reflects our belief that music is not only something we share on the concert stage, but also a way to bring people together, foster compassion, and make a meaningful difference in our community.

Together, through generosity and the power of music, we can help create a more inclusive, kinder, and better world.

Thank you for being part of the Wairua journey - for believing in the spirit of connection, giving, and the transformative power of music.

With gratitude and aroha, ❤️✨

Wairua Sinfonietta

08/06/2026

Our hearts are full. ❤️🎶

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday and helped make this concert such a special occasion.

To our audience, thank you for your presence, enthusiasm, and support. Sharing music with a room full of engaged listeners is a privilege, and your warmth and encouragement mean more than words can express.

To our musicians, soloists, volunteers, supporters, the team at the St Matthew-in-the-City and whānau, thank you for your dedication, generosity, and belief in what Wairua Sinfonietta stands for. Every rehearsal, conversation, act of kindness, and note played contributed to an afternoon that celebrated the power of music to connect people.

From the world premiere of Wairua Triptych by Yvette Artley to the music of Holst and Finzi, it was a joy to share a programme that honoured creativity, friendship, and community.

We were also proud to support the important work of Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre through this concert. Thank you for helping us give back through music and contribute to the wellbeing of others in our community.

Wairua Sinfonietta is more than an orchestra. It is a whānau brought together by a shared love of music and a desire to create meaningful musical experiences. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to be part of this journey.

Thank you for celebrating with us, supporting New Zealand artists and new music, and helping keep live music thriving.

Until next time.

Ngā mihi nui,

Wairua Sinfonietta ✨

05/06/2026

Thank you,SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music for supporting New Zealand composers and championing New Zealand music.

https://sounz.org.nz/events/30473

🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/wairuasinfonietta-artley-and-finzi

29/05/2026

✨ Composer Spotlight ✨

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Wairua Sinfonietta’s upcoming concert as our Composer-in-Residence, Yvette Artley, introduces her brand new commissioned work,
written especially for Wairua and receiving its world premiere on 7 June!

Fresh, vibrant, and uniquely Aotearoa, this exciting new work sits alongside music by Finzi and Holst in a concert celebrating storytelling, energy, and connection through orchestral music.

📍 Wairua Sinfonietta
📅 Saturday 7 June
🎶 Proudly supporting the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust
🎟️ see comment

We can’t wait to share this special evening with you!

22/05/2026

✨ Only two weeks to go until Wairua takes the stage ✨

We are delighted to present a special Wairua showcase concert, celebrating the artistry of Wairua musicians in an evening of orchestral collaboration.

Featuring 8 soloists (all Wairua whānau), a world premiere performance, and a vibrant programme of orchestral storytelling, this concert highlights the depth, individuality, and shared spirit within our musical community.

We are also proud to be supporting the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust , whose extraordinary work brings the power of music therapy to children and young people across Aotearoa.

📍 St Matthew’s in the City
📅 Sunday 7th June
🕖 4:30pm
🎟️ in the comment below

We look forward to sharing this very special evening with you. 🎶

19/05/2026

Introducing another featured soloist for Artley and Finzi: A Wairua Premiere Showcase

Tom Chester | Trombone

Tom hails from Manchester, UK, Tom began his professional career as Solo Trombone in the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines before later settling in New Zealand.

Following his move to Aotearoa, Tom joined the Royal New Zealand Navy Band as Solo Horn and Piano. Over the years, he has established a distinguished and versatile career as a performer, arranger, and conductor, collaborating with orchestras and ensembles throughout the country.

Tom has conducted the APO, MSO, A*O, and AJO, earning recognition for his interpretations of New Zealand works and orchestral transcriptions. He also holds a Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music in Music Direction.

We are delighted to feature Tom as trombone soloist in this special June programme.

📍 St Matthew-in-the-City
🕟 4:30pm | 7 June
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/wairuasinfonietta-artley-and-finzi

Concert in support of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.

17/05/2026

Introducing another featured soloist for Artley and Finzi: A Wairua Premiere Showcase

Stephen Bemelman | Trumpet

Stephen Bemelman began his musical journey in Christchurch before moving to Wellington to study performance trumpet at the Wellington Polytechnic Conservatorium of Music. During his years in the capital, he performed with a wide range of ensembles including the Lower Hutt Titan Brass Band, the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Following a successful audition, Stephen joined the Auckland Philharmonia, where he performed for 15 years before departing in 2009. Alongside an active freelance career spanning many musical styles and eclectic ensembles, Stephen is also a passionate brass educator, dedicating much of his time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

📍 St Matthew-in-the-City
🕟 4:30pm | 7 June
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/wairuasinfonietta-artley-and-finzi

Concert in support of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.

16/05/2026

Introducing another featured soloist for Artley and Finzi: A Wairua Premiere Showcase

✨Mary Lewis | Percussion✨

Originally from South Africa, Mary Lewis studied music at the University of Stellenbosch, where she completed a Master’s in Music specialising in Ethnomusicology. A versatile “crossover” percussionist, Mary enjoys performing and collaborating across a wide range of musical settings, from classical and contemporary concerts to theatre productions and pit orchestras.

Alongside an active freelance performing career, Mary is deeply passionate about music education and has been teaching drums and percussion for more than 30 years. She has also led workshops at festivals and continues to inspire young musicians through private teaching and school itinerant programmes across Auckland.

Mary regularly performs with community ensembles, orchestras, and theatre productions throughout the region, and we are delighted to feature her in this special June programme.

📍 St Matthew-in-the-City
🕟 4:30pm | 7 June
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/wairuasinfonietta-artley-and-finzi

Concert in support of the Music Therapy Trust.

15/05/2026

Introducing another featured soloist for Artley and Finzi: A Wairua Premiere Showcase

Joy Liu | Oboe

Joy Liu has been immersed in music from an early age, beginning piano at four and oboe at nine while growing up in a musical family. Her passion for music education and community engagement has led her to a wide range of fulfilling roles over the past 15 years, including teaching, mentoring, administration, and co-ordination in support of young musicians and amateur performers.

Joy holds a Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance, alongside diplomas in piano and music teaching. Formerly a Director at Forte School of Music, she now teaches piano and oboe through her Auckland-based music studio, where she is dedicated to nurturing both musicianship and personal growth in young learners.

As a freelance oboist, Joy is currently Principal Oboe of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Opus Orchestra.

📍 St Matthew-in-the-City
🕟 4:30pm | 7 June
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/wairuasinfonietta-artley-and-finzi

Concert in support of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.

Address

Auckland

Website

http://www.wairuasinfonietta.org/

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