Auckland Philharmonia

Our much anticipated annual Horn Hang is coming up on Saturday 20 June!

In this free workshop, experience a relaxed afternoon meeting and playing with like-minded others. Pack your Horn and come join the Auckland Phil Horn section for a fun and inspiring afternoon of music making and all sorts of Horn-anigans. 📯

Registrations are necessary. See our website for more information and the registration form: aucklandphil.nz/hangs

At just 21 years old, sensational pianist Eva Gevorgyan is already drawing international acclaim for her 'blend of youthful fire and poetic maturity' (Limelight Magazine). Next Thursday, she makes her New Zealand debut with us performing Chopin's First Piano Concerto in our sold out concert The NZ Herald Premier Series: Chopin & Tchaikovsky 🌟🎶👏

Winner of the Special Prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, her recent performance of Chopin's Prelude No. 16 offers a glimpse at the artistry that makes her one of the most closely watched young artists on the international stage: https://ow.ly/OEVS50Z7qxn

If you missed out on tickets to join us in the Auckland Town Hall for Eva's dazzling debut, tune in to RNZ Concert's Music Alive from 7.30pm on Thursday 11 June to hear the live broadcast!

Eva Gevorgyan plays Chopin Prelude no 16 op. 28 Konzerthaus Berlin 16.10.2025Film by Sören L. Schirmer

Our warmest congratulations to Auckland Philharmonia trustee, Emeritus Professor Pare Areta Keiha QSO, who was the recipient of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026 for services to Māori and education.

A champion of the arts, Pare is an enduring advocate for learning, access and leadership. We're thrilled he has been honoured with this well-deserved award.

This August, internationally acclaimed conductor Stéphane Denève joins us for The Magic of John Williams – an unforgettable celebration of one of cinema’s greatest musical storytellers.

Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and a renowned interpreter of John Williams’ music, Denève has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras. His passion for orchestral storytelling, electrifying live performance and close friendship with Williams makes him the perfect guide through these iconic scores

JBWere presents The Magic of John Williams
📅 7.30pm, Saturday 29 August
📍 Aotea Centre
🎟️ aucklandphil.nz/JohnWilliams

Registrations are open for our iconic Community Bash, taking place on Sunday 6 September at Auckland Town Hall!

Whether you haven’t picked up your instrument for years or are an experienced musician, all are welcome at the Community Bash! In this FREE workshop, musicians of all ages and abilities are joined by Auckland Philharmonia players to rehearse and perform a fun selection of music, led by conductor David Kay.

This year's repertoire will not disappoint! We'll be performing Orff’s epic O Fortuna, popular selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and the stunning waiata ‘Tōku Reo Tōku Ohooho'.
We provide parts for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, so anyone can join in to sing or play in this huge orchestra – just sign up and join the fun!

This event is generously supported by Foundation North.

Find out more and apply here: aucklandphil.nz/community-bash

This evening, at a special event at the home of the Hill family in Queenstown, the official 2026 Competition Draw - and, thus, competition order - was undertaken by Christine, Lady Hill and Executive Director Anne Rodda.

1. Leanne McGowan, Brisbane/Berlin
2. Hyein Koo, Seoul
3. Anaïs Feller, Vancouver, WA
4. Tianyou Ma, New York
5. Yeonoo Jeong, Seoul
6. Dindin Jingyi Wang, Melbourne
7. Beatrice Colombis, Sydney/Berlin
8. Jakow Pavlenko, Berlin
9. Alexey Stychkin, Berlin
10. Maxim Tzekov, Berlin
11. Julia Wang, Vienna
12. Hairui Lei, Philadelphia
13. Emmalena Huning, Perth
14. Ruiyi Wang, Shanghai
15. Yebin Yoo, New York
16. Xunyue Zhang, Berlin

Tune in to this RNZ Concert interview with music therapist and teacher, Julie Wylie, to hear their discussion about the benefits of musical play for young children and her tips for encouraging learning through music at home🎶🛝

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The serious business of musical play Music therapist and teacher Julie Wylie on her philosophy of Musical Play.

Last month, it was wonderful to welcome a combined audience of 3000 tamariki and whānau to four performances of our Tunes 4 Tamariki: The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra concert! 🐘🦒

🦁This animal-themed music extravaganza featured a delightful Kiwi children’s storybook brought to life on stage though music, art and storytelling, alongside a zoo-full of singalong tunes.
🐑Many arrived early to take part in the free pre-concert activities, which included an instrument show & tell, facepainting and arts & crafts.
🐸Presented by Kath Bee - Children's Songwriter, alongside maestro David Kay leading our orchestra, this was a high-energy concert filled with music, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder.
🐦At the heart of the performance, Donovan Bixley Author/Illustrator narrated a spellbinding orchestral retelling of his book, The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra.
🦒We loved seeing so many families discovering the magic of the orchestra together – especially during our signature orchestra walkthroughs, where the audience was invited onto the stage to experience the instruments up close.

👏These concerts were delivered thanks to the support of Auckland Live, The North & South Trust and the orchestra’s core funders, Auckland Council, Creative New Zealand and Foundation North.

📸Sav Schulman