Profile

The Waitakere City Orchestra is a dynamic new orchestra in the West of Auckland in New Zealand. It is designed to bring quality live performances of orchestral music to the community. Founded in 2003 by composer-conductor Brigid Ursula Bisley who is the Musical Director, the orchestra comprises of a core of approximately 40 players with a blend of professional and amateur musicians, which can expand for symphonic repertoire or contract for chamber works. It rehearses and performs on average three to four times a year using the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre as its principal venue.

Central to the orchestra’s existence is the vision of generating and fostering a serious music culture. Many of its players are local music teachers and performers who are
a strong team committed to the project. The orchestra’s most skilled players are invited to appear as soloists. There is also a policy of encouraging students to get involved, and of showcasing local musical talent.

Programming is extremely broad in flavour and style and can include music from the Renaissance to the present day. Usually there is a featured soloist.The programmes, combining well-loved classics with unconventional or lesser-known works, are designed to excite, inspire, move and uplift audiences. A policy of commissioning and performing new NZ works is also being developed.

The WCO has also been formed with the intention of providing a service to the local residents, by giving them access to quality live orchestral music which they might otherwise not hear because of constraints of time, travel or finances. Audience surveys indicate that west Aucklanders feel that the WCO is amply fullfilling a need in the region and are proud to have an orchestra they can call their own.

Long term, the WCO’s vision includes: hosting an annual youth concert; collaboration with other artforms such as dance, film and opera; appearing at local festivals or City events, and playing in unorthodox venues.

• Works performed (2)