Ki te Hapori In the Community
Puoro mā te katoa
Music is for everyone.
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra exists for our community.
We don’t have an ‘outreach’ programme, simply because we don’t need to reach out to or from anywhere! We are here. We are there. We are in the community.
Ki te Hapori In the Community is our world-leading programme delivering live music-based experiences through immersive initiatives. 60% of all our activity happens offstage and in our community.
In 2026 we are undertaking a minimum of 42 bespoke programmes, engaging with 36,000+ participants across Ōtautahi Christchurch, Waitaha Canterbury and Te Waipounamu South Island.
There are five strands to our Ki te Hapori In the Community mahi:
Haere Mai Rangatahi! Spotlight on Youth
We're committed to developing the next generation of musicians. We provide extensive opportunities and pathways for our rangatahi young people to get involved and grow their passion and skills.
Featured projects: Aspirations Conductor Training Programme, Irelands Interns, Slater Violin, Elevate Young Musicians Development Programme, NXTGen Youth Think Tank, Foundations Youth Mentoring Programme, Solo Opportunity Auditions, CSO Youth Club, and School Holiday Programme.
Discover Haere Mai Rangatahi! Spotlight on Youth here.
Hiki Orotau Tune Up
From instrument workshops to playing alongside our orchestra,
Hiki Orotau programmes are ideal for students and aspiring musicians of any age or players seeking opportunities to reignite their love of playing.
Featured projects: Instruments in Focus, Chamber Music Weekend, Play with CSO, and Community Orchestra Coaching.
Discover Hiki Orotau Tune Up here.
Wheako Experience
Wheako gets people closer to the action by bringing CSO closer to them. Our skilled and friendly musicians create relaxed performances and interactive workshops for people of all ages.
Featured projects: Music Trails, On the Road, Retirement Home Visits, Primary School Visits, Christmas at Tūranga, and Accessible Sensory Performances.
Discover Wheako Experience here.
Hauora Wellbeing
Supported by Wynn Williams
We share the power of music to uplift, stimulate and aid the rehabilitation of members of our community with complex needs. For those with neurological conditions, dementia, intellectual and physical disabilities or other challenges, Hauora enhances wellbeing through music and social connection.
Featured projects: City Mission Project, Jolt Move, Flourish, Okioki: Music for Respite in Healthcare Settings, and CSO Music Therapy Collaborations.
Discover Hauora Wellbeing here.
Noho Taupua In Residence
This initiative involves CSO setting up camp for an extended period of time and working with people of diverse needs. This allows participants to feel comfortable, supported, and experience music with our musicians on a deeper level.
Featured projects: Platform Programme at Christchurch Men's and Women's Prison, Welcome to Ōtautahi!, Tukutuku, and Partnerships with Music Schools.
Discover Noho Taupua In Residence here.
If there is something you'd like to be part of but the cost is prohibitive, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can chat.
For more information or any queries regarding our Ki te Hapori In the Community programmes, please contact:
Selena Prior
Head of Community Engagement
03 943 7797
selena.prior@cso.co.nz
If you are interested in supporting our Ki te Hapori In the Community programmes, please contact:
Hannah Wilson
General Manager, Commercial & Development
+64 21 440 067
hannah.wilson@cso.co.nz