Orchestra Wellington

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA

With a rich history as New Zealand’s oldest regional orchestra founded over sixty years ago, Orchestra Wellington’s audience numbers have grown rapidly to become one of the most consistently well attended in the country. With progressive programmes, accessible pricing, and a focus on community outreach, Orchestra Wellington is now recognised as one of the most exciting and progressive orchestras in the world.

In addition to their 6 concert series which is performed at Wellington’s premier venue, the Michael Fowler Centre, each year more than 100,000 people also hear Orchestra Wellington perform live at community, family and school concerts, as well as alongside New Zealand Opera and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Their concerts feature internationally-acclaimed soloists, as well as the best artists New Zealand has to offer.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Orchestra Wellington's goal is to be the most accessible orchestra in the country. They want people from all walks of life to experience the thrill of live orchestral music through a number of accessibility initiatives and an array of community outreach concerts. They don’t restrict themselves to the concert halls, taking their music to the streets and performing in iconic Wellington locations such as Cuba Street, Civic Square, the Botanical Gardens and Government House.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Orchestra Wellington's fun and interactive family concerts have themes ranging from magic to science, circus, to mystery & mayhem! Through their schools programme ‘Beat it Blast it!, they bring music to thousands of children from low decile areas. They also partner with Arohanui Strings to teach violin to kids who otherwise would never have access to music lessons. Every year the orchestra take great pride in welcoming Arohanui Strings to perform alongside them, on the Michael Fowler Centre stage.

EXCITING AND PROGRESSIVE

Orchestra Wellington was a finalist in the 2016 Wellington Gold Business Awards, in recognition of their rapid growth, innovative marketing & strong identity. The city’s mayor, business and community leaders are all proud supporters of the orchestra. As well as playing alongside NZ's national opera and ballet companies, Orchestra Wellington is an integral part of many important civic occasions - celebrating New Year’s Eve on the waterfront, the appointment of a new Governor-General, performing at Summer City, CubaDupa, the New Zealand Festival and many more occasions in the Cultural Capital.