Auckland Philharmonia Launches Stellar New Season

Auckland Philharmonia announces its 2027 Season, Giordano Bellincampi’s 12th and final as its Music Director. This season invites audiences to join the orchestra in saying ‘Grazie Giordano’ by revisiting many of Bellincampi’s signature works and stand-out soloists from his 12-year tenure. Alongside this, beloved masterpieces, thrilling premieres and rarely played gems are woven across this impressive season, performed by a sensational line-up of globally renowned artists, Aotearoa New Zealand’s finest musicians and exciting rising stars.

“Throughout this very special season, we celebrate Giordano Bellincampi’s legacy and his immense impact on our orchestra’s growth in artistic excellence, culminating with a magnificent two-week BrahmsFest. Conducted by Bellincampi, one of the world’s leading Brahms interpreters, this festival is a rare opportunity to hear many works by this brilliant composer performed at the very highest level,” says Diana Weir, Auckland Philharmonia’s Chief Executive.

“There are so many highlights to look forward to in this upcoming season; from Mahler’s serene Symphony No.4 and Stravinsky’s exhilarating The Rite of Spring to a complete Beethoven piano concerto cycle, and two Opera in Concert performances of Puccini’s sublime Tosca. It’s also very exciting to be the exclusive New Zealand orchestra presenting Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert in 2027, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original 1977 movie.”

Major international artists making their New Zealand debuts in 2027 include virtuoso pianist Nikolai Lugansky, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and conductors Anna Sułkowska-Migoń and Katharina Wincor. They are joined by pianist Paul Lewis and violinist Simone Lamsma, who make their Auckland Philharmonia debuts. Long-time friends of the Auckland Phil — violinist James Ehnes and pianists Alexander Gavrylyuk and Javier Perianes — make welcome returns in 2027, along with conductors Elena Schwarz, Samy Rachid and Pierre Bleuse, and violinist Chloe Chua.

Spectacular special events add extra star-power to this season, headlined by a 50th anniversary New Zealand exclusive screening of the multi-generational cinematic classic Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, with John Williams’ original score performed live by the Auckland Phil. A blockbuster evening of Joe Hisaishi’s film scores hosted by popular podcasters Art of the Score, and Kāpiti Ice Cream presents Mānawatia a Matariki, an unmissable evening of waiata reo Māori and musical collaboration to celebrate the Māori new year, also join this sparkling line-up.

Giordano Bellincampi says, “It has been a pleasure to be Auckland Philharmonia’s Music Director and throughout my final season in this role I’m delighted to share with you some marvellous music from many of my favourite composers. Opening with Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony, followed by Nielsen’s mighty Fourth Symphony, through to the BrahmsFest in November, featuring all four Brahms symphonies, both piano concerti and his Violin Concerto, with Alexander Gavrylyuk and James Ehnes joining us as soloists.

“We will share with you many more wonderful masterpieces along our way, including a programme of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony paired with magnificent works by Schubert that feature exciting Kiwi-Danish soprano Louise McClelland Jacobsen, Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and sublime fourth symphonies from both Schumann and Bruckner.

“A pinnacle of the programme will be Nikolai Lugansky playing Rach 2, along with a complete Beethoven piano concerto cycle featuring renowned pianist Javier Perianes as soloist and director. It’s also wonderful to have Australian pianist Andrea Lam returning to perform the Auckland premiere of R. Strauss’ spirited Burleske and violinist Inmo Yang playing Bruch.

“A special highlight for me will be a concert in August featuring our brilliant Principal Flute, Melanie Lançon, performing Nielsen’s Flute Concerto, alongside two magnificent works — Mozart’s Symphony No.32 and Schubert’s Ninth Symphony ‘The Great’.”

The New Zealand Herald Premier Series

In 2027, The New Zealand Herald Premier Series invites audiences on a musical journey through 12 concerts, traversing music from more than 30 composers — from bold masterworks to contemporary pieces and familiar favourites.

The series showcases beloved composers and signature works specifically curated for this season by Giordano Bellincampi, including Brahms, Nielsen, Schubert, Mozart, Schumann, Strauss, Bruckner, Mendelssohn and Mahler. Sprinkled throughout the year are also many extraordinary pieces that will be performed in Auckland for the first time, including Ives’ Symphony No.2 and Debussy’s Jeux, the New Zealand premieres of Saariaho’s Ciel d’hiver and Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour, and the Australasian premiere of Karłowicz’s Eternal Songs.

Homegrown talent will shine in the Southern Hemisphere premiere of Salina Fisher’s new violin concerto. Written by the talented composer specifically for fellow Kiwi, sparkling violinist Geneva Lewis, who features as soloist in this performance, this piece is a co-commission by Auckland Philharmonia, the Bortletti-Buitoni Trust and BBC Radio 3. In 2027, the orchestra also performs Auckland premieres of works from fellow New Zealand composers Lilburn and Gao Ping.

Auckland Philharmonia is bringing some of the world’s most esteemed artists to the Auckland Town Hall stage in 2027. Hailed as ‘the most trailblazing and meteoric performer of all’ (Gramophone), piano virtuoso Nikolai Lugansky’s New Zealand debut performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 will be a highlight of the season. This major recording artist is internationally renowned for his interpretations of Rachmaninov’s piano concerti and performs with leading international orchestras, including the Berliner Philharmoniker and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Globally sought-after British pianist Paul Lewis, one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the central European classical repertoire, makes his Auckland Philharmonia debut in 2027 playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23. Exciting rising conductor Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, the 2022 winner of La Maestra conducting competition also makes her New Zealand debut, and Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli will lead the orchestra for the first time in an exuberant programme of works by Enescu, Glazunov, Beethoven and Kodály.

Outstanding artists returning in 2027 include conductors Pierre Bleuse, Elena Schwarz and Samy Rachid, pianists Alexander Gavrylyuk, Andrea Lam and Kiwi Sylvia Jiang, violinist Chloe Chua, and Auckland Phil’s own Principal Flute, Melanie Lançon, who steps forward as soloist.

Classic Series

The 2027 Classic Series features six concerts of best-loved masterpieces, including a special all-Beethoven double bill to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his death. The superb Spanish pianist Javier Perianes returns to the Auckland Philharmonia to play Beethoven’s five piano concertos as this great composer intended, directing from the keyboard.

Mahler’s Fourth Symphony is a splendid opener for the series in February, one of this great composer’s most popular works, led by master interpreter Giordano Bellincampi. This is paired with some wonderful Lieder by Schubert featuring Kiwi soprano Louise McClelland Jacobsen, who makes her Australasian debut in the dreamy Night and Dreams (Nacht und Träume) and the Auckland premiere of The Trout (Die Forelle).

In 2027, rising violin player Inmo Yang returns to play Bruch’s delightful Violin Concerto No.1, led by Giordano Bellincampi, alongside Schumann’s Fourth Symphony.  Another highlight includes sensational cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras’ New Zealand debut in Prokofiev’s Sinfonia concertante, conducted by Katharina Wincor, who also makes her Aotearoa debut.

Baroque is Back

Lovers of Baroque music will appreciate the new Simply Baroque, two concerts held in June and September in the chamber music setting of Grafton’s Kāhui St David’s — a beautifully renovated former church that was built as a living memorial to World War One and all current members of the New Zealand Defence Force and veterans. This programme celebrates the Baroque era with beloved repertoire from some of the best-known composers of the time, Bach and Vivaldi, with Auckland Philharmonia musicians stepping forward to direct.

A star-studded line-up of special events

Auckland Philharmonia’s annual Opera in Concert is a season highlight that often sells out many months in advance. This year’s semi-staged production of Puccini’s thrilling opera Tosca, with a two-concert run to meet high demand, will be no exception. With such a captivating story of love, lust, murder and political intrigue, accompanied by some of the most exciting and dramatic music ever written, Tosca is deservedly one of the world’s most-loved operas.

Giordano Bellincampi brings Tosca to life with a trio of accomplished soloists in the main roles — soprano Serena Farnocchia as the diva Floria Tosca, tenor Antonello Palombi as Cavaradossi, and baritone Lucio Gallo in the role of Scarpia, the head of the police. They are joined by a cast of national and international opera stars, including New Zealand bass-baritone Edward Smith, who makes his Auckland debut in the role of Angelotti, and the mighty Auckland Philharmonia performing Puccini’s magnificent score. Opera in Concert is generously supported by Pub Charity Limited.

Released in 1977, George Lucas’ movie Star Wars: A New Hope was the iconic original film in this epic franchise that first introduced us to Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader in a galaxy far, far away. Celebrating this momentous film’s 50th anniversary in 2027, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert brings this cinematic titan to the big screen in the Aotea Centre with Auckland Phil performing John Williams’ Oscar-winning score. Don’t miss this special opportunity to revisit this pivotal film and share it with the next generation of Star Wars fans.

Following their sold-out Aotearoa debut with Auckland Phil in 2025, charming Art of the Score podcasters Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding return to present The Music of Joe Hisaishi, a musical love letter to Japan’s great Maestro. From Studio Ghibli classics Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro to over 100 works for the screen and concert hall, Joe Hisaishi is one of the world’s most prolific and beloved contemporary composers. Experience his remarkable music live in concert as Pogson and Golding share their insights into the scores and guide you through the musical world of Hisaishi.

Auckland Phil’s annual Matariki concert returns with Kāpiti Ice Cream presents Mānawatia a Matariki, inviting whānau and friends to celebrate the Māori new year with this night of uplifting music. This evening of exciting musical collaboration features a very special line up of guest artists joining forces with the Auckland Philharmonia to perform the best of waiata reo Māori.

Auckland Phil wraps the season by bringing the festive spirit to the heart of the city with its annual Christmas Cheer concert in the majestic Auckland Town Hall. Featuring special guest vocalists and The Graduate Choir New Zealand, this concert is filled with timeless orchestral classics, modern festive favourites and popular seasonal carols.

Community concerts across the region

In April, popular children’s concert series Tunes 4 Tamariki dives into Te Ao Moana, exploring the ocean world through music. In this lively interactive concert, talented singing duo Loopy Tunes Preschool Music, winners of NZ on Air Best Primary Song at the 2026 Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards, join the orchestra to perform music, songs and stories connected to the sea.

Then in December, charismatic entertainer Kevin Keys presents Tunes 4 Tamariki: Kevin’s Kirihimete, a concert for little ones and their whānau that’s filled with singing, dancing and holiday joy.

In 2027, the Community Classics series celebrates some of the best-known love stories. At each of the three performances of this family-friendly concert, the orchestra and special guests will play musical excerpts from beloved classics, including Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and traditional Māori love song ‘Pōkarekare Ana’. This concert series is proudly supported by Re:Vision.

In March, the popular In Your Neighbourhood series returns with a concert featuring Interim Concertmaster Max Tan and his fellow string section colleagues playing works by Strauss, Mozart and Martinů. Then in October, Principal Horn Gabrielle Pho leads a programme that showcases the lyrical qualities of the French horn, alongside the richness of strings. The series concludes with a fanfare to the holiday season, Principal Trumpet Huw Dann leading his brass section colleagues in a concert filled with treasured, classic festive favourites. This concert series is proudly supported by Davis Funeral Care.

A full slate of exciting community and education activity from our Learn & Participate department will be announced soon.

How to book

Tickets for Auckland Philharmonia’s 2027 Season are now on sale at aucklandphil.nz. Book now to enjoy subscriber benefits, including best seats, savings on individual ticket prices and no booking fees.

For more information or to book tickets to the 2027 season, visit aucklandphil.nz

Season Brochures are available from aucklandphil.nz or by phoning Auckland Philharmonia Ticketing on (09) 623 1052.

 

Main Photo Credit: Sav Schulman