Central Celebrates – Waikato's Orchestral Festival for All

There's something for everyone at Central Celebrates, our 7th annual mini-festival celebrating the joy of ensemble music making presented by Orchestras Central.

Experience a range of immersive concerts for whānau, music lovers and sonic explorers of all kinds.

Dig out an old instrument and join our all-comers Rusty Player Orchestra, or witness the extraordinary talent of our rising young composers and performers of tomorrow at an exciting range of open workshops.  Join us for an immersive evening of poetry and music.

6.45pm-8.00pm | The Playhouse 
Free entry, drop in whenever you like!

Come and see how an orchestra works! Join the fabulous young musicians of Youth Orchestra Waikato – see how they rehearse, and experience the teamwork of over 50 musicians making music together.

Saturday 24 August
1.00pm-2.00pm | The Playhouse
Koha entry

A celebration of the youthful talent and energy from Youth Orchestra Waikato, Te Rauhii and Waikato Community School of Music. Performing side-by-side, the young musicians learn from one another under the inspirational guidance of their conductors and tutors.

4.00pm-5.00pm | Concert Chamber
$15 Adult & Senior / $12.50 Tertiary / $10 Child / $45 Family (2x Adults, 2x Children)

Come one come all to a family friendly concert where circus meets music! Join guest juggler Geoff and the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of fun, laughter, storytelling and great music that’s perfect for the young and young at heart.

Orchestras Central’s whānau concerts aim to capture the magic of a live orchestra in a relaxed and informal environment, introducing music of all kinds to young people and families in a dynamic and engaging way.

Joe Harrop | Conductor
Geoff Gilson | Circus Artist
Charlie Garcia Gil | Xylophone
Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra

10.00am-1.00pm | Concert Chamber
Koha entry, drop in whenever you like

Experience music written by outstanding young Aotearoa New Zealand composers, coming to life for the very first time. Compositions to be workshopped will be selected from submissions to the annual Orchestras Central composition competition held in association with the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music.

Secondary and school level winners will be announced on the day.

Rupert D’Cruze | Adjudicator & Conductor
Michael Williams | Adjudicator OCT Ensemble

2.00pm-5.30pm | Concert Chamber
$21 full price / $10 student and hardship concession, or pay what you can afford

Join Aotearoa's most relaxed orchestra, sharing in the joy and camaraderie of social music-making. Been a while since you played an instrument? No worries - this orchestra is perfect for you!

Join Rusty Celebrates for a feast of classical music favourites, fun and fellowship on the Gallagher Academy’s Concert Chamber stage.

7.00pm | Te Whare Tāpere Iti
$38 Adult / $28 Senior / $5 Student (Booking fees may apply)

The weaving of music, spoken word and projected imagery creates a compelling concert experience evoking art of people and places. Join the dynamic new reed quintet Ensemble Aaru and OCT Ensemble for an immersive evening of storytelling and music.

A beautifully crafted programme of chamber music awaits within the intimate surrounds of Te Whare Tāpere Iti.

If you enjoyed the immersive Our World experience in 2023, you’ll love Of People and Places – the second concert in the experimental chamber series presented by OCT Ensemble.

Programme
Salina Fisher | Unfinished Portrait (2015) for flute, oboe, bassoon and piano
Debussy | La fille aux cheveux de lin and Deux Arabesques
Ravel | Le Tombeau de Couperin (selection)

Michael Williams | Intangible echoes (world premiere)
Fergus Byett | Et Caligo Ascendit (Orchestras Central – University of Waikato 2023 Composition Competition winner)
Philip Norman | A Short Suite (selection)
Piazzolla | Histoire du Tango for arr. flute and marimba (selection) Bartok | Romanian Dances