String Together returns to Auckland

16 March 2026

Auckland will come alive with the sound of strings this March as String Together returns to Kāhui St David’s, the beautifully restored heritage venue dedicated to music, performance and community, bringing together some of New Zealand’s finest musicians with the country’s next generation of performers.

Event schedule:

Friday & Saturday, March 20-21 – Masterclasses for young musicians, led by leading professional musicians, providing expert guidance on performance and chamber music.

Sunday, March 22 – The weekend culminates in a public concert at Kāhui St David’s, featuring performances by NZTrio, alongside emerging musicians from the University of Auckland School of Creative Arts and Industries, Sistema Aotearoa, Avondale College, Tironui Music Trust and musicians travelling from Northland.

Participants include students from the University of Auckland’s School of Creative Arts and Industries, young musicians from Sistema Aotearoa in Ōtara, students from Avondale College, and performers supported through Tironui Music Trust, which provides instrumental music education and mentorship for young New Zealanders who may otherwise face barriers to learning music.

Musicians from across Auckland and Northland – from South Auckland to Whangārei – will take part in the three-day programme.

Across the weekend, these emerging musicians will learn, rehearse and perform alongside NZTrio – widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier piano trio – and other leading professional chamber musicians.

Celebrated New Zealand-Samoan composer and musician Poulima Salima is specially arranging pieces for the group concert, including Falealili Uma and Ie Lavalava – a medley of traditional Samoan songs – to be performed with NZTrio, pianist Madeleine Xiao and more than 30 musicians.

Poulima Salima, says: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this unique event. What makes String Together special is seeing musicians of different generations performing and learning together. For this year’s concert I’ve arranged a medley of Samoan songs that carry memories of home and community. When musicians and audiences gather in the same room, there’s a connection that can’t quite be captured anywhere else.”

Anne Filimoehala, Sistema Aotearoa spokesperson, says: “For many of our young people, music becomes a pathway to confidence, connection and opportunity. Being part of String Together and performing alongside professional musicians in a place like the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s is an incredibly inspiring experience for them.”

The programme culminates in a public concert at 3pm on Sunday 22 March, where students from school age to university will take the stage alongside NZTrio in a celebration of emerging talent and live music.

Presented by Kāhui St David’s in partnership with NZTrio, the University of Auckland School of Creative Arts and Industries, Sistema Aotearoa, Tironui Music Trust and Avondale College, String Together creates a rare opportunity for young musicians from diverse musical backgrounds to collaborate and perform together.

Over three days, the historic Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s will transform into a vibrant musical hub as students and professionals rehearse, perform and collaborate – offering a powerful visual moment as multiple generations of musicians come together through chamber music.

Paul Baragwanath, Director of Kāhui St David’s, says: “String Together returns for its second year. At its heart this project is about nurturing the future of live classical performance in New Zealand.

“By bringing generations of musicians together, we create opportunities for emerging players to learn from experienced professionals, sharing knowledge, inspiration and artistry.”

Participation in the programme is free for student musicians, ensuring talented young performers can take part regardless of financial circumstances.

The project also reflects the growing role of Kāhui St David’s as a centre for music, creativity and community in Auckland.

Housed in the beautifully restored Great Hall at 70 Khyber Pass Road, the venue – originally built as a memorial following World War One – has quickly become one of the city’s most distinctive performance spaces, known for its soaring leadlight windows and remarkable acoustics.

The weekend concludes with String Together – The Concert, where audiences can experience the energy of young musicians performing alongside some of the country’s leading artists.

With tickets priced at $20, and free entry for students, family of students, and children, the concert offers a rare chance to see the next generation of New Zealand musicians in action.

Event Details

String Together – The Concert
Sunday 22 March 2026 @ 3:00pm
Venue: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland

Tickets:
Adults: $20
Students: Free
Children (up to 18 years): Free
Family members of performers: Free

Free tickets are also available for unwaged.

Tickets available via Humanitix.