Your Generosity in Action: Transform Young Lives
Bridging Youth with Possibilities: Arohanui Strings+
Arohanui Strings+ perform on-stage with Orchestra Wellington at the Michael Fowler Centre for the 2025 SOUNZ Commission for Orchestra and Sistema Youth Orchestra | Te Tono Mahinga a SOUNZ mā te Rāngai Puoro me te Rāngai Puoro Taiohi a Sistema.
Reflecting our vision is Orchestra Wellington’s partnership with Arohanui Strings+, the Wellington branch of the Sistema approach. Through free music education, Arohanui Strings+ helps young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging, while developing the skills from learning and performing together.
Orchestra Wellington Foundation supported this initiative by funding six participant-led scholarships, tailored to the individual student’s aspirations and needs. From additional tuition, to instrument support, performance opportunities, competition entry fees or audition preparation, every scholarship was shaped around the goals of the student.
The Foundation also funded two side-by-side performances with Orchestra Wellington, giving students the rare opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professional musicians. Students also took part in the premiere of a new New Zealand commission by Keith Moth, supported by SOUNZ.
“The cello isn’t just wood and wires. To me it is a continuous timeline from the day that I started. It shows who I am just by how I play it. It shows my different emotions depending on how I feel. This scholarship helps me with my cello because it teaches me to be more persistent with my learning and to put all my effort into my music.”
– Cello student from Korimako Orchestra
Orchestra Wellington Music Director Marc Taddei rehearses Arohanui Strins+ in preparation for their side-by-side performance with Orchestra Wellington.
These opportunities extend well beyond the concert hall. Through mentoring, performance and personalised support, the programme helps young musicians imagine new possibilities for their future while strengthening the next generation of performers, audiences and advocates for orchestral music in Wellington.
Ready to help bridge worlds?
Choose a pathway that is right for you. A gift today begins making a difference immediately.
Work with us!
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Everyone is welcome at Orchestra Wellington!
We feel strongly that the diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and individual contributions of our employees are an integral part of what makes the arts relevant, accessible, meaningful, impactful, and sustainable.
Reach out to find out about our current vacancies.