New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Passion

Overview

In line with the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 restrictions, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has announced that all concerts in August and September have been cancelled. The national orchestra was due to play in Wellington this week and in Dunedin and Christchurch next week.

Instead, Kiwis in lockdown can now enjoy a free performance of Passion from the comfort of their couch. From 7.30pm on Saturday, 29 August, the NZSO will livestream the audience-free concert from Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre.

The live stream of Passion will be the NZSO debut of New Zealand conductor Gemma New. It will feature New Zealand composer Robin Toan's Tū-mata-uenga 'God of War, Spirit of Man', NZSO Section Principal Cellist Andrew Joyce performing Elgar's famous 'Cello Concerto', and Tchaikovsky's 'Symphony No. 6 Pathétique'.

It's not the first time the NZSO has taken its live concerts online. During New Zealand's first lockdown the orchestra presented several live at-home broadcasts.