EVENTS
NZ has a diverse range of performance music opportunities that we support our students to take part in. Here's what's coming up ...
NZ Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra
NZSSSO offers a valuable opportunity for some of New Zealand's top secondary school orchestral musicians to represent their school and play in a full Symphony Orchestra. This course is held in week one of the school holidays in April. Students are selected by audition.
The 2025 orchestra has been selected - congratulations to this year's orchestra members.
Canterbury Schools Regional Orchestra
Held on Fridays in Term 3, the CSRO provides an opportunity for young musicians to play in a full orchestra. A performance and a roadshow showcases the fun we all have with our music. Enrolments open 31 May 2024.
The NZCT has provided a platform for thousands of Kiwi secondary school students to perform. For many this is the first experience of chamber ensemble performance.
The NZCT Chamber Music Contest is the largest and longest running chamber music event of its kind in the country and each year provides the opportunity for thousands of secondary school students to perform together and enjoy the thrill of making music. 2025 is a milestone year - the 60th anniversary of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest.
Regional rounds from 14th June 2025, with finals in Auckland on 2nd August 2025.
Chamber Music Contest 2025
The Big Sing 2024
The Big Sing Finale showcases the top 24 secondary school choirs selected from over 200 choirs who have competed at the regional festivals earlier in the year.
The Finale involves eight competition sessions over three days, culminating in a spectacular Gala Concert on the evening of Saturday, 30 August 2025 at the Dunedin Town Hall.
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Check the link below for information and Youtube performances.
Smokefree RockQuest
Smokefree RockQuest is New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event.
Smokefree RockQuest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original NZ music.
Canterbury Heats are May 23-24th 2025 with the Finals on June 7th 2025.
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NZSO National Youth Orchestra
Formed in 1959, the National Youth Orchestra has played a vital role in providing unique opportunities for the country’s most gifted young orchestral performers. NYO players have the opportunity to learn from and perform with leading conductors, artists and musicians of the NZSO. Many have gone on to forge successful careers as orchestral players, soloists, chamber musicians and teachers.
