The CSO Gala 2026

A dinner party to remember.

You and seven guests will be swept away to culinary heaven by the creations of Christchurch Casino's Executive Chef, Richard Hingston, and be transported to other realms with a Christchurch Symphony Orchestra ensemble. Best of all, you won't even need to leave your house!

Matched to perfection with McArthur Ridge wines. Naturally.

CSO supporter and all round polymath, Nathanael Provis, is donating one of his works in support of CSO.

Nathanael Provis has always loved beautiful and dramatic scenery. Christchurch-born and raised, he soon took a strong interest in the surrounding landscape's snow-capped mountains, lakes, native bush, and waterfalls. Today he paints using high-permanence oils on stretched European linen canvases as his preferred media.

Dreaming of being part of a live orchestra?

This is your opportunity to join us on stage and play the iconic crash cymbals during a Season 2027 Concert.

You’ll literally be crashing Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

CSO Principal Percussion, Brett Painter, will be your personal tutor, rehearsing with you for four sessions and showing you how to get the best sound out of your crash cymbals.

Take a trip south and enjoy a taste of royalty in the glorious Otago region.

On the way south you'll stop in at Ōamaru and The Old Confectionary, before arriving at the impeccably restored Earnscleugh Castle. A striking Category 1 heritage landmark in Central Otago, where historic character meets modern luxury. You might recognise it from Grand Designs...You'll be staying in the Spain Suite, a beautifully appointed room within the castle itself. Guests will enjoy sweeping rural views, thoughtfully restored heritage interiors, breakfast, pre-dinner canapes and house wine. A rare opportunity to experience one of Central Otago's most storied and elegant properties.

Head down the road to another Grand Designs alum, the home of CSO Concertmaster Justine Cormack and Marc Taddei. Justine welcomes you for a tour of 'The Wedge House' along with her and Marc's sublime contemporary art collection.

To keep energy levels up to appreciate all this amazing art and design, we have you covered with a 'Trust the Chef' lunch for two with matched wines at Carrick and 'Leave it to us' Lunch at Gibston Valley Winery, with matched wines.

Break up the journey home with a second night at The Old Confectionary in Ōamaru.

This one's on us.

You'll receive tickets to everything presented by CSO in 2027 - Everything from our Lamb & Hayward Masterworks, Curators Series and CSO & Rova Presents series.

That’s 16 concerts to experience 2027 through the lens of your Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

For the full immersion in CSO, we’ll also make you a CSO Principal Member and throw in some gifts from our CSO Local Business Club partners.

Our Timpani get a pretty hefty workout.

They're loud, proud and impossible to ignore! This retired Timpani head has been gifted to Miranda Parkes to give another life. Miranda Parkes' works is held in collections throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. Parkes won the ZAWAA (2026), Frances Hodgkins Fellowship (2016) among many awards, and she is celebrated in the Aotearoa canon.

Drumroll please....!

Artwork will be revealed on the night, check out Miranda's other works here.

CSO is lucky to have an amazingly supportive community who also possess incredible Whisky Collections.

Introducing The CSO Flight - a flight of eight bottles of whisky to get your collection started (or supplement your existing collection) from the personal collections of Dr Graham Sattler, Dame Adrienne Stewart, Bruce Irvine, Jenny May, Michael Fraser Milne, Michael Endres, Mark Hickman and Doris Barnard, David Dai.

A taste of CSO - literally!

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of the most secluded and private luxury lodges in the world, with just four private chalets.

Comfortable in every sense, with warm hospitality and world class cuisine, Minaret Station is an experience to inspire. Bordered by National Parks, mountains, and Lake Wānaka, there are no roads at all leading to the Alpine Lodge, so access is only possible by helicopter.

You'll enjoy a night's stay, with all meals and beverages taken care of. You'll also enjoy a private guide for hiking from the Lodge. Perfect.

Calling all wannabe conductors!

Have you ever dreamt of being that person on the podium? This is your moment. Join CSO's rich history of guest conductors and lead Christchurch Symphony Orchestra at CSO and Rova Presents: Proms in 2027.

We'll give you a conducting lesson to guide you through everything you need to know about taking the conductors podium. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we'll throw in six tickets for family and friends to join you at the show and witness your moment!

Venues Ōtautahi invite you to join the historic first international concert at our iconic One New Zealand Stadium on Tuesday 18 January 2027.

Two Foo Fighters lounge tickets are up for grabs - which includes premium lounge access, allocated premium seats, and all food and beverage covered.

An iconic night out!

Friend of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Aotearoa Music Legend, Don McGlashan, is gifting something quite special in support of CSO.

From Dominion Road to Anchor Me to Nature and Bathe in the River, Don's music is woven in to the soundtrack of Aotearoa life.

This is your opportunity to take home a piece of Aotearoa music history with the first sketches for one of Don McGlashan's most well-known tunes. All will be revealed on the night!

2027 marks the final year of Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey's tenure.

We're taking him off the podium and onto the green for this special auction item.

You and two friends will join Benjamin Northey for 18 holes of golf at Clearwater Golf Club - a lush oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle and relax over a bit of friendly competition.

May the forTUNE favour your swing.

Generously gifted by David Dai.

A late addition, but one worth waiting for...

Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.

Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.

You'll enjoy a Salvin's (twin or double) cabin for two aboard Heritage Expedition's 18-guest expedition yacht, with all on board ship accommodation with meals, house drinks and expedition shore excursions taken care of.

Valued at $13,190 this is one of the most iconic ways to see one of the most special parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.

View the full voyage details here!