Events

Featuring Natania Ngawhau playing the Launy Grondahl trombone concerto and other outstanding musicians from around the country each performing a concerto movement with the NSO.

Beethoven meets Gareth Farr in a triple concerto showdown featuring NZTrio, alongside Ukranian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s famed Hutsul Triptych and Melody. Conducted by James Donaldson, Director of the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. Pre Concert Talk by Jason Balla 6.30 – 7.00pm (open to all) Concert Programme: Skoryk: Melody Beethoven: Triple Concerto Interval Skoryk: Hutsul…

Rossini – Mozart – Mendelssohn Get caught up in the energy and excitement of this programme featuring two Italian-linked works plus a Mozart Piano Concerto with soloist Diedre Irons. Programme: Rossini: Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers Mozart: Piano Concerto No 23, K488 Interval Mendelssohn: Italian Symphony No 4  

Come on a musical voyage with us as we present works by composers from Germany, Spain, France, Russia, USA and NZ, with guest soloist Owen Moriarty (Guitar) playing Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez. Conducted by Beth Cohen. Programme: Beethoven – Overture to Fidelio Fauré – Pélleas et Mellisande Rodrigo – Concerto d’Aranjuez Natalie Hunt – Only to the Highest Mountain…

An uplifting evening of exquisitely beautiful music awaits. Come and celebrate the musical genius of the Bach family with the NSO, featuring stunning cello soloist Matthias Balzat. Conducted by Jason Balla Programme: J.S. Bach – Orchestral Suite No. 2 C.P.E. Bach – Cello Concerto in  A Major, H. 439 W.F. Bach – Sinfonia in F Major, FK 67 “Dissonant”…

Saturday 21 September @ 7.30pm The NSO presents a thrilling evening of glorious orchestral dance music to sweep you off your feet. Showcasing an array of classical favourites including Bach, Tchaikowsky, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Khachaturian, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich. Conducted by Jason Balla Please note: Dancers from Ballet Nelson will only join us for our shorter matinee concert…

Bring the kids and prepare to be swept off your feet by the talented students of Ballet Nelson as they dance to glorious live classical music performed by the Nelson Symphony Orchestra. Performance time approx 45 minutes. The programme will feature a selection of pieces from the previous evening. Suitable for all ages.

An exciting and varied concert featuring inspiring music from the mentor and the protégé. From the old masters of Beethoven and Haydn, to modern, local talent – Nelson’s own John Rimmer’s piano concerto with soloist Kyoko Takashima, and a premiere performance of Warwick Blair’s Sunset Kiss Darkness Come, a climate change piece especially commissioned anonymously for a first performance…

American Soundscape: The beauty and spirit of America through music. Christchurch-based conductor, Beth Cohen (and her dog!) return to Nelson to conduct NSO’s first concert of 2025. She hopes to show Nelson the REAL America – beyond the commercialism, politics and stereotypes portrayed on TV and in the media. Beth writes: “America is a gorgeous…

Orchestral Reflections: Celebrating the NSO in our 60th year! After 6 decades of music making the players of the Nelson Symphony Orchestra under the baton of newly appointed Music Director, Jason Balla, share some of the highlights of 60 years of orchestral concerts in a programme of great orchestral works. Music has been selected from the NSO library,…

After 6 decades of music making the players of the Nelson Symphony Orchestra under the baton of newly appointed Music Director, Jason Balla, share some of the highlights of 60 years of orchestral concerts in a programme of great orchestral works. Music has been selected from the NSO library, and includes works by Beethoven, Tchaikowsky, Rossini, Berlioz,…

A highlight for many, NSO’s biennial ‘Solo Spotlight’ concert returns with stunning performances from talented young soloists from around NZ. Soloists selected will perform one movement of a concerto or an aria of their choice, accompanied by the NSO. Conducted by Andrew Ward. Programme: Cimarosa: Overture to Oreste Schumann: 1st mvt of Piano Concerto (Ozan Biner-McGrath)…