NZSO brings nine unforgettable concerts to Auckland in 2026
Published: Tuesday 3 February 2026
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra presents an extraordinary lineup of nine concerts in Auckland in 2026, featuring some of the world’s most sought-after soloists and conductors.
Opening the NZSO’s Auckland concerts on 10 April is the New Zealand debut of acclaimed Dutch trombonist Jörgen van Rijen, with the orchestra under Music Director Designate André de Ridder. The concert Resonance includes Maurice Ravel’s sublime Pavane pour une infante défunte and Dmitri Shostakovich’s immense Eighth Symphony.
NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New conducts two concerts: Rhythm & Dance in September, which includes a solo performance by NZSO Principal Clarinettist Patrick Barry, and Enigma in November featuring UK-Australian pianist Sir Stephen Hough and a performance of Edward Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations.
October sees the return of conductor Sir Donald Runnicles for an evening of Johannes Brahms and Richard Strauss, including Strauss’ Four Last Songs with Kiwi soprano star Madeleine Pierard.
The same month sees the New Zealand debut of chart-topping British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, the eldest sibling of the multi-talented Kanneh-Mason family. The 29-year-old will perform a recital at Holy Trinity Cathedral of works by Ravel, Beethoven and Grammy-nominated Bulgarian-British composer Dobrinka Tabakova.
Isata’s tuition at the Royal Academy of Music in London was personally sponsored by Sir Elton John upon hearing her play. She has since performed with him in concert. Last year the Kanneh-Mason’s family album River of Music entered the UK classical charts at No. 1.
Finnish conductor Maestro Pietari Inkinen, an acclaimed Richard Wagner interpreter, returns for two concert programmes over two nights in August: a selection of Wagner pieces featuring tenor Simon O’Neill, and works by Finnish great Jean Sibelius and contemporary Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg featuring NZSO Concertmaster and fellow Finn Vesa-Matti Leppänen.
Other international stars coming to Auckland include Chinese Australian virtuoso cellist Li-Wei Qin (Romeo & Juliet in June) with Australian conductor Benjamin Northey, and Australian-Chinese conductor Dane Lam leading the NZSO National Youth Orchestra (NYO La Mer in July).
NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says the 2026 Season marks the beginning of a new era for the national orchestra.
“The season is centred around the concept of a classical haven, enabling us to embark on an exciting musical journey. It features a remarkable collection of cherished, timeless works alongside new pieces and discoveries that enhance the beauty and power of the concert experience.”
Tickets are on sale with discounts for NZSO Members. Anyone can become a member for as little as $10 a year (Lite). Go to www.nzso.co.nz/concerts-and-tickets/membership/
Photos attached: Isata Kanneh-Mason; Jörgen van Rijen, Gemma New, Sir Stephen Hough
