Orchestras in the Community
Showcasing, supporting and linking New Zealand's community orchestras.
What might we do together to have a bigger impact? See our vision and let us know what you think.
Boost your visibility and get ideas from what others are doing. Post your concerts and other activities here.
When everything is taken into account, community orchestras do an impressive job. They deserve applause for what they achieve, particularly when you keep in mind that they run “on the smell of an oily rag”. It can be hard work for those involved, made harder by the fact they all work pretty much in isolation from other orchestras.
Historically, they got started because of the enthusiasm and drive of a single person or small group, and they have grown ‘naturally, doggedly, even magically over time.
It is with these 80 or so orchestral groups in New Zealand in mind, that the New Zealand Community Orchestras Trust has been formed and is making a serious effort to get community orchestras across Aotearoa joining together to encourage one another, support one another and own a bigger vision for orchestral music in the regional communities of New Zealand.
There may be more community orchestras than you think around New Zealand. Some have roots going back as many as a hundred years. Others are very recent.
At first sight they are simple organisations - a group of people, of any and all ages, who are able to play one or more of the traditionally recognised symphony orchestra instruments, getting together to make music - a particularly satisfying and stimulating experience for those involved.
Our research shows that there are more than 80 of these orchestras in New Zealand.
By definition they are amateur community organisation, needing to be managed. There are always things to be done other than making music. These extra things are done voluntarily, by people who put up their hands to do a job or be on a committee.
There is a scattering of professional players helping out in some orchestras. But the majority of players have a ‘working life’ which is not as a professional performing musician.
Hello, I'm Ross Gurney
My journey towards creating a New Zealand Community Orchestras Association, supported by a successful Lotteries grant, is set to enhance our cultural landscape. This initiative seeks to unlock the potential of community orchestras, fostering innovation and deeper audience connections.
Get Involved
We're hoping that Community Orchestras NZ will be a means to foster a vibrant, collaborative network of our orchestras. If you'd like to endorse this, or better still help, please let us know. At the very least we'll send you an occasional email or two.