Conductor - Michael Joel
Soloists –
Monique Lapins – Violin
Matthias Balzat – Cello

Mozart - Symphony No 35 K385 in D ‘Haffner’
Gounod - Symphony No 1 in D
Brahms - Double Concerto Op 102 in A minor

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra’s final concert for the year brings along not one but two of New
Zealand’s most acclaimed soloists for your enjoyment. The highlight of the programme will surely be
Monique Lapins (Violin) and Matthias Balzat (Cello) performing the great Brahms Double Concerto,
his final work for orchestra and a sublime masterpiece that requires two brilliant and equally
matched soloists.

This concert is part of the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra (SMCO) 2026 Concert Series.

The Auckland Metropolitan Orchestra in collaboration with Vivaldi Academy of Music warmly invite you to The Soloists Gala.

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Join us for a unique evening of concertos for piano, violin and more with performers from the Vivaldi Academy of Music and chamber musicians of the Auckland Met Orchestra. With repertoire from Vivaldi, Mozart, Saint-Saëns and more you will not want to miss these young artists' premier performances under the musical direction of Robert Liu.

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Featuring:
Pianists - Chantell Cowie, Lydia Ho, Chloe Kang, Claire Lyu, Chloe Wang, Henry Wang
Violinists - Leon Chen, Nora Han, Emma Ji, Letizia Napoli
Conductor - Robert Liu

Alison Dunlop, oboe

Our Stories, Our Songs, Our Pride

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What does it sound like when we celebrate the many things that make us who we are — and the places, people and connections that make us feel at home?

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This November, GALS – Auckland’s Rainbow Choir presents REFLECTIONS: The Way Home, an uplifting, engaging and unapologetically queer celebration of identity, belonging, connection and pride.

Home isn't always a place. Sometimes it's a person, a community, a memory, a culture, a place we call our own — or simply the feeling of being able to be completely ourselves.

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Through music that is joyful, moving, cheeky and powerful, REFLECTIONS explores the stories, experiences and relationships that shape us and the things that make us who we are. It's a celebration of where we've come from, where we belong, and the many different ways we find our way home.

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Expect soaring harmonies, big energy, plenty of heart and a healthy dose of GALS personality. There'll be moments that hit you right in the feels, moments that make you grin, and moments where you may find yourself thinking, “Well… I wasn't expecting THAT from a choir.”

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It's a night about coming home to ourselves, celebrating each other, and finding belonging in all its wonderfully different forms.

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Different voices. Different stories. One gloriously colourful choir.

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Whether you're part of the rainbow community, a GALS regular, a choral music lover, a proud supporter, or simply looking for a fantastic night out, come along and find your way home with us.

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Come as you are. We'll bring the music!

Join Luminata Voices as we welcome the festive season with an afternoon of beautiful choral music, candlelight, canapés and community.

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At the heart of the programme is Benjamin Britten’s enchanting A Ceremony of Carols, accompanied by harpist Ina Yoon.

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Enjoy a joyful selection of much-loved carols, new and traditional Christmas songs, and the chance to join your voices with ours in a festive sing-along.

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In the interval, share food and drink with us. Carols, Canapés & Candlelight is more than a concert - it is an opportunity to come together, celebrate the season and enjoy the warmth of community.

Join Auckland Choral for a heartwarming evening of festive music that captures the joy, reflection, and community spirit of the season. This year’s programme blends traditional carols with music by beloved contemporary composers. Expect to sing along to popular Christmas carols, experience moments of quiet beauty, and revel in the exuberant energy of choral music at its finest.

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With instrumentalists and featured vocal soloists joining the choir, this concert offers something for everyone – from long-time supporters to first-time audience members. Perfect for a summer’s evening, Sing Christmas is a celebration of togetherness, music-making, and Auckland’s rich choral tradition. Gather family and friends and start the festive season with an inspiring concert filled with warmth, harmony, and holiday cheer.

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This event was hugely popular in 2025 and sold out. Get your tickets soon!

 

Samuel Mataele - Countertenor

David Hamilton, Hua Wu, James Harrison - Guest Conductors

Uwe Grodd - Conductor