First time coming to see the orchestra? Not sure what to expect? Fear not! Our handy guide will walk you through the whole thing...
The most important part
You deserve to be here! Our concerts are an open, welcoming space for everyone and it is our privilege that you have chosen to join us for our performance. Thank you!
What happens at the concerts?
At 6.30pm, one hour before the concert start time (at the Michael Fowler Centre), there is usually a pre-concert talk in the Renouf Foyer. These are hosted by our Music Director & Conductor, Marc Taddei, frequently joined by one of the artists and/or composers from the evening's performance. This talk is included within your ticket price and provides special insights into the background of the programmed works on the evening's concerts. Special announcements are sometimes also made at these talks! Attendance is entirely optional. Pre-concert talks are often very popular, and are a great opportunity to relax with some refreshments - wine, beer, ice cream, juice, chips, anything!
The concert begins at 7.30pm in the Michael Fowler Centre concert hall. Ushers will help direct you to your seats where you will settle in and be treated to an evening of performances by some of Aotearoa's most talented musicians, often featuring guest artists from across the motu and around the world!
Our Programmes
Orchestra Wellington programmes are expertly crafted by our Music Director, Marc Taddei, to pair the known with the unknown - standard orchestral repertoire with New Zealand and World Premieres, keeping our content relatable and engaging. You may not enjoy every piece on the programme - and that's OK! There is something for everyone, and we can guarantee that throughout the course of a season you will be exposed to some musical works you've never heard before, a reimagining of a familiar work, or both!
All six of our annual subscription series concerts are but one part of a larger story. You'll If you'd like to attend concerts occasionally, tickets are available via Ticketmaster or at orchestrawellington.co.nz. But if you'd like to join us for the adventure, subscriptions are available at the end of each season for the following year and three-concert package deals are available following the first subscription concert of each season.
What do I wear?
Absolutely anything you like. Most audience members tend to dress smartly, but this is entirely your choice. You could wear a tuxedo, a nice pair of jeans, even a clown costume! Maybe not a clown costume.
Mobile Phones
This is an obvious one, but please ensure all mobile phones are set to silent (or turned off) for the duration of the performance. This is especially important in classical music, where silence can be a very powerful part of a piece. Instagram can wait.
What does my ticket purchase support?
By purchasing a ticket to Orchestra Wellington concerts, you support community and educational mahi by Orchestra Wellington musicians across the entire Wellington Region! Read more about the work that we do in schools, communities, and outside of the concert hall.
Is there anything else I should know?
If you like reading up ahead of time, join our newsletter for the pre-concert E-mails which will include information about upcoming programmes, save-the-dates, "Did you know?" sections, and programme notes including information about our featured soloists and artists.
