Name: Daphnis et Chloé
Start: 2025-08-07T19:30:00
Location: Auckland Town Hall

This year, the world of classical music offers a grand showcase of timeless compositions brought to life by the virtuosity of renowned artists. Highlighting the brilliance of orchestral music, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia present an array of concerts that honor the artistic legacies of Prokofiev, Ravel, and Beethoven. As esteemed performers grace stages in Sydney and Auckland, audiences are invited to experience the emotive power and rich cultural heritage embedded in these iconic works.

A Symphony of Celebrations: From Prokofiev to Beethoven

Dive into the world of orchestral brilliance with three captivating events that promise to enthrall music lovers. Arabella Steinbacher leads with Prokofiev’s stirring Violin Concerto No.2 at the Sydney Opera House. The Auckland Philharmonia celebrates Ravel’s 150th birthday with the breathtaking 'Daphnis et Chloé.' Finally, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, under the baton of Simone Young, fills the air with the timeless 'Ode to Joy.' Each event offers a unique celebration of musical mastery, bringing audiences together through the universal language of music.

Orchestral Wonders: From Prokofiev to Beethoven's Ode to Joy

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is set to dazzle audiences in 2025 with a breathtaking lineup of concerts and performances. From the stellar harmonies of 'Community Classics South: Beyond the Stars' to the heart-wrenching drama of 'La traviata', this year's program promises a rich tapestry of music, passion, and artistry. Whether you're captivated by orchestral masterpieces or enchanted by family-friendly performances like 'Hairy Maclary's Greatest Hits', there's something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we explore the highlights and unique elements of this vibrant musical journey.

Auckland Philharmonia's 2025 Lineup: A Symphony of Stars and Stories

Experience a harmonious blend of music and storytelling with the Auckland Philharmonia's captivating events. From family-friendly concerts featuring beloved characters to grand orchestral performances with renowned artists, each event promises to immerse you in a unique cultural adventure. Join us as we explore the magic of Hairy Maclary, the passion of Spanish rhythms, the wonders beyond the stars, and much more in this extraordinary lineup of musical events.

Auckland Philharmonia: A Symphony of Culture and Creativity

Javier Perianes

Jun Märkl

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Auckland Philharmonia

All Tickets are Mobile Ticket Only. Mobile Tickets are like Print-at-Home tickets but instead of having to print off the tickets yourself, you can just show the barcode on your mobile phone. It is the easiest way to access tickets to your events. For more information visit Ticketmaster.co.nz/mobileticket Child Policy: Scary scenes - parental guidance advised. Recommended for ages 10+. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Join Dorothy and her friends on this fantastical quest to find the Wizard. Be swept away by timeless melodies like 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'The Merry Old Land of Oz' as the Auckland Phil performs Herbert Stothart's orchestrations of Harold Arlen's iconic songs live in sync with the classic 1939 film at this truly Technicolor symphonic event. Film Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Auckland Philharmonia: The Wizard of Oz Live in Concert

Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Samy Rachid Violin --- James Ehnes Mozart --- Symphony No.35 'Haffner' Mozart --- Violin Concerto No.4 Chausson --- Symphony in B-flat It's always a huge pleasure to welcome back to Auckland the superlative violinist James Ehnes, joining us with Mozart's sparkling concerto. This is preceded by another piece of Mozartian effervescence, which its composer said should be played 'very fiery' and 'as fast as possible'. Then one of the finest symphonies in the French tradition. Chausson's only excursion into the form covers a dramatic range of emotions, from its exuberant first movement to its entreating close.

Auckland Philharmonia: Ehnes Plays Mozart

Auckland Town Hall

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Alan Buribayev Piano --- Eva Gevorgyan Tchaikovsky --- Eugene Onegin: Polonaise Chopin --- Piano Concerto No.1 Kalinnikov --- Symphony No.1 The stunning Russian-Armenian pianist Eva Gevorgyan makes her NZ debut with the delicate, melancholic concerto of the incomparable poet of the piano, Chopin. Vasily Kalinnikov's glorious First Symphony is one of the forgotten gems of Russian music: its composer died at only 35, and its profusion of warm-hearted melodies gives a tantalising glimpse of what was lost. Those who knew and mourned Kalinnikov included Tchaikovsky, who opens the concert with the vigorous Polonaise from his greatest opera.

Auckland Philharmonia: Chopin & Tchaikovsky

All Tickets are Mobile Ticket Only. Mobile Tickets are like Print-at-Home tickets but instead of having to print off the tickets yourself, you can just show the barcode on your mobile phone. It is the easiest way to access tickets to your events. For more information visit Ticketmaster.co.nz/mobileticket Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under 13 years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. In 2019 Waiata Anthems debuted at No.1 in the NZ Music Charts - the first 100% reo Maori album to do so - and spent 16 weeks in the NZ Top 40. Experience the original songs from this iconic multi award-winning album, as Auckland Philharmonia and the next generation of up-and-coming young Waiata Anthems artists pay tribute to the album that helped start a movement.

Auckland Philharmonia: Matariki: Waiata Anthems

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Giordano Bellincampi Violin --- Benjamin Beilman Schubert --- Overture in the Italian Style in D Mendelssohn --- Violin Concerto Beethoven --- Symphony No.2 'A violin concerto in E minor keeps running through my head,' Mendelssohn wrote to a friend, 'and the opening gives me no peace.' His feverish creativity led to one of the world's favourite violin concertos, played for us by one of the world's most exciting violinists. Schubert never visited Italy, although you'd never know it from his cheerful homage to Italian music. More cheer in Beethoven's lithe Second Symphony, with its generous slow movement and breathless finale.

Auckland Philharmonia: Mendelssohn's Violin

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Puccini's poignant and tragic tale of love, heartbreak and betrayal The teenage geisha known as Madame Butterfly married the US sailor Pinkerton in Nagasaki three years ago. He returned to America; she hasn't seen him since. But then the cannon announces the arrival of his ship. Through the night, she waits for him -- with their son... A superb cast brings this devastating story to life. Stunning soprano Erika Grimaldi returns to sing Puccini's most tragic heroine, while Gaston Rivero makes his New Zealand debut in one of his signature roles. Also making a welcome return is baritone Richard Šveda, as Sharpless and mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Jansson takes on the role of Suzuki in her New Zealand debut.

Auckland Philharmonia: Madama Butterfly

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Elena Schwarz Cello --- Sheku Kanneh-Mason Ligeti --- Melodien Elgar --- Cello Concerto Sibelius --- Symphony No.5 The sensational British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is one of the biggest stars of the moment, his accolades including BBC Young Musician of the Year and artist in residence at the New York Philharmonic. He makes his New Zealand debut in Elgar's elegy for the England destroyed by the First World War. It is contrasted with Ligeti's freewheeling kaleidoscope of orchestral colour. Sibelius's heroic Fifth Symphony is crowned with a magnificent theme, emerging as if organically from the music.

Auckland Philharmonia: Sheku Plays Elgar

Child Policy: Family-friendly concert recommended for children aged 3+. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Award-winning animated children's series, Kiri and Lou, follows the adventures of Kiri, a feisty little dinosaur, and her best friend Lou as they explore the world of feelings through laughter, song and play. Presented by Liv Tennet, the voice of Kiri, this concert brings the music of one of Aotearoa's favourite TV shows to life through the magic of orchestra. Auckland Philharmonia will perform a selection of delightful songs from the show, alongside stunning visuals from the episodes. Music and fun for tamariki and their grown-ups. Featuring --- Liv Tennet

Auckland Philharmonia: Kiri and Lou in Concert

Bruce Mason Centre

All Tickets are Mobile Ticket Only. Mobile Tickets are like Print-at-Home tickets but instead of having to print off the tickets yourself, you can just show the barcode on your mobile phone. It is the easiest way to access tickets to your events. For more information visit Ticketmaster.co.nz/mobileticket Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Presented by JBWere John Williams is one of the most influential film composers of all time, revolutionising the genre with his iconic and critically acclaimed scores for some of our most beloved blockbusters. Join Auckland Phil and conductor Stéphane Denève, a close friend and collaborator of John Williams, as we celebrate a legend of American cinema, complete with personal insights and anecdotes from the podium.

Auckland Philharmonia: The Magic of John Williams

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Nodoka Okisawa Organ --- Nicholas Forbes Guillaume Connesson --- Cosmic Trilogy Saint-Saëns --- Symphony No.3 'Organ Symphony' The dazzling French composer Guillaume Connesson captures the universe in his Stephen Hawking-inspired work. In its NZ premiere, the three movements evoke the Big Bang, the appearance of the stars, and a supernova. On the title page of his Third Symphony, Saint-Saëns wrote the words 'with organ': its first appearance is a mood of quiet contemplation, but there's a big bang here, too, when the Auckland Town Hall's mighty instrument is unleashed -- an occasion not to be missed.

Auckland Philharmonia: Organ Symphony

This event has been Rescheduled from Wednesday 4 November 2026 to Thursday 5 November 2026. Tickets will still be valid for new dates. Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Tomáš Netopil Trumpet --- Selina Ott Martinu --- The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca Haydn --- Trumpet Concerto Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) --- Pictures at an Exhibition Two vivid translations of art into music -- Martinu's mystical vision of the murals of the Renaissance master is followed by Mussorgsky's memorial to a painter friend. Mussorgsky originally composed it for piano, but Maurice Ravel transformed his rough-hewn original into a spectacular orchestral showpiece.

Auckland Philharmonia: Pictures at an Exhibition

Child Policy: This performance is not suitable for children under six years old. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver who attends the event with the child. Conductor --- Giordano Bellincampi Piano --- Christian Ihle Hadland Nielsen --- Helios Overture Grieg --- Piano Concerto R. Strauss --- Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme: Suite Appearing in Australasia for the first time, Norwegian pianist Christian Ihle Hadland plays the evergreen concerto by his compatriot Grieg. Strauss's witty music to Molière's comedy is one of those pieces which orchestral musicians love. It's challenging, it's rarely played, and it's utterly charming. Audiences, meanwhile, find themselves falling in love with it too and wondering why it isn't heard more often. We begin with a hymn to the sun, which Nielsen composed while gazing at the warm Aegean Sea.

Auckland Philharmonia: Grieg's Piano Concerto

Auckland Philharmonia celebrates Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday with one of the most glorious enchantments cast by that incomparable orchestral magician. This ‘choreographic symphony’ is a stupendous showpiece for a great orchestra. The sunrise music transforms a fine-spun filigree of impossible delicacy into an immense climax, and the riotous conclusion of the ballet is just exhilarating.

Daphnis et Chloé

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