Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
In 1958, under the vision and direction of Professor John Ritchie, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra was formed.
Now celebrating our 60th anniversary, the CSO has become a 21st century community asset to the people of our region. As well as presenting more than 30 diverse concerts each year, from Mozart to the music of Moana, and accompanying the performances of other arts organisations such as New Zealand Opera and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, our reach extends beyond the stage.
Our award-winning Community Engagement Programme reaches more than 10,000 people in the South Island through our Karawhiua! Let’s Play residency programme, school visits, retirement village recitals, masterclasses, workshops, and more.
In 2016, the CSO received a Highly-Commended certificate in the Arts Access Awards for their collaboration with Christchurch dance company Jolt Interactive.
Community Engagement
The CSO’s critically-acclaimed Community Engagement Programme seeks to enrich the lives of people in our community in diverse and innovative ways, through live music performances, hands-on experiences, participant-led collaborations and active learning.
Coming up in April, the CSO will be hosting a Richard Chandler Memorial Piano Masterclass with internationally acclaimed pianist Raphael Lustchevsky, in partnership with the Polish Association on 26th April from 2pm to 4pm. Attendance for observers is free. If you are interested in observing, please RSVP to CSO Community Engagement Programme Leader Cathy Irons at communityengagement@cso.co.nz by 20th April. The Masterclass will be held in the CSO’s rehearsal rooms at 2/4 Klondyke Drive.
Meet one of the CSO's Second Violins, Juno Pyun
Meet CSO second violin Juno Pyun, who also works as a junior doctor at Timaru Hospital. Recently, we caught up with him and had a chat about life and music.
Read moreCSO Podcast
A podcast that’s all about music and the musical life Have you ever had a burning question about music, orchestras and the musical life that you really wanted to ask but didn’t know who or how? Now you can, with the CSO’s ‘Ask a Musician’ Q & A panel and the new bi-monthly podcast. We’ll answer your questions. Nothing is too serious or too bizarre. Simply email your questions to marketing@cso.co.nz .
Listen here