Profile

The Manukau City Symphony Orchestra (MCSO) is a community-based symphony orchestra which prides itself on being inclusive, friendly and welcoming. We aim to make orchestral music and concerts accessible to everyone in its community, with a diversity of musical programming, and a variety of soloists and conductors.

The MCSO prides itself on commissioning and presenting New Zealand works through appointing Composers in Residence. We also regularly perform other New Zealand works.
The Composer in Residence for 2008-2009 is Anthony Ritchie . His works will be performed at the Genesis Energy Autumn Concert on 5 & 6 April 2008 and on 4 & 5 April 2009.
MCSO is grateful to have received funding for a SOUNZ Community Commission in 2006. The composer was Robin Toan and her Fanfare for Manukau for orchestra, commissioned and performed by the Manukau City Symphony Orchestra, was performed at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre on 1 December 2007, with conductor Uwe Grodd.
Previous Composers in Residence were:
2006-2007 John Rimmer : Breathalyzer , and Manukau Refrains for Three Percussionists and Orchestra
2005 Leonie Holmes : The Journey for massed choir and orchestra, and Ancient Rhythms for orchestra.

The MCSO aims, as its ideal, to have one-third youth musicians, one-third adult amateur/community musicians and one-third professional musicians performing within the orchestra. The majority of players participate on a voluntary basis for the love of making music and performing together. The “heart” and core of the orchestra is its enthusiastic adult amateur musicians.

Some key factors in the success of the MCSO are:
* The vision of our Music Director – Uwe Grodd
* Professional guest conductors
* Professional soloists
* The inclusion of experienced professional musicians within sections of the orchestra ‘Players as Mentors’ programme

These professional musicians provide mentorship and play an educational role for our community and youth players – by leading, teaching and developing the performance standards of the orchestra. This provides opportunities for talented, emerging players, nurtured within the MCSO community environment, to perform alongside professional musicians.

• Performances (5)
• Awards (1)
• Commissions (5)
• Events (1)