About Us

Recognised nationally, and celebrated locally for the depth of our work, we believe that music enriches lives in different ways, and we provide a wide range of mediums in which our audience can discover, encounter, and enjoy great musical experiences.

We contribute to the cultural diversity of the community through a full and varied concert season, as the orchestra of choice for many touring artists and other arts organisations, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and through our In the Community Ki te Hapori programme, including school residencies, collaborations with other organisations such as Jolt Dance, library and retirement village performances, and at civic events.

Championing New Zealand composers and artists is hugely important to us, and we have, for many years, showcased, commissioned and premiered New Zealand works and performed with the best of New Zealand talent.

In 2016 and 2019, we received Highly-Commended certificates in the Arts Access Awards for our collaboration with Christchurch dance company, Jolt, and in 2021, an Arts Access Aotearoa Community Award for our work in Christchurch Men's Prison through the Platform programme (In Residence Noho Taupua)

We were also twice a finalist in the New York Festival Radio awards, along with Radio New Zealand, and, in 2020, won the gold award for our live broadcast of our 2019 opening Lamb & Hayward Masterworks concert, Phoenix.

As an orchestra, we benefit and rely on the support of our patrons, funders and sponsors. Their investment and encouragement of our art is essential and for that we are most grateful.

Meet the CSO