Auckland Phil’s Festive Concerts Return With New Stars

Whether you prefer to Rock around the Christmas tree or enjoy a Silent Night, Auckland Phil’s Christmas concerts are just the ticket to get in the festive spirit. Take your mini music lovers to Little Umbrella presents Tunes 4 Tamariki: Kirihimete, an interactive children’s concert presented by cast from TVNZ’s Toi Time, in the Auckland Town Hall (28 November) and the Bruce Mason Centre (13 December). Then, celebrate the season with whānau and friends at a Christmas Cheer concert in the Auckland Town Hall on 18 and 19 December, featuring sensational guest vocal artists, together with the Auckland Philharmonia and The Graduate Choir New Zealand, performing singalong carols and seasonal favourites.

Tunes 4 Tamariki: Kirihimete

Join popular Kiwi children’s TV characters Jojo and Buzz from Toi Time as they hunt for the perfect Christmas song in a new seasonal children’s show, Tunes 4 Tamariki: Kirihimete! There will be fun and merriment for all as Jojo (Taylor Rogers) and Buzz (Reuben Butler) sing, shimmy and shake through a concert stuffed full of festive singalongs, funky dancing and some silly surprises.

As they search for the ultimate Christmas tune, Jojo and Buzz will perform children’s yuletide favourites (with a Kiwiana twist) alongside the Auckland Phil and introduce the audience to the instruments of the orchestra. A young Kiwi voice will shine when nine-year-old Sophia Mkoian, the winner of Kōkako Award at the 2026 Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards, performs original song Be the Light with the orchestra.

Specially designed for children aged six and under, this concert has a one-hour duration, plenty of sing and dance along fun and concludes with an orchestra walkthrough to see and hear the musicians playing up close. Included in the concert ticket price of $15pp ($50 Family Pass) are free pre-concert activities for tamariki, such as facepainting, arts and crafts with The Creative Rume and the opportunity to discover how instruments work through a hands-on Instrument Show & Tell.

Christmas Cheer

Gather your whānau and friends together and enjoy carols and holiday harmonies with all the trimmings at Christmas Cheer, Auckland Phil’s annual festive concert in the majestic setting of the Auckland Town Hall. This joyful celebration for the whole family features Kiwi vocal stars Matu Ngaropo and Jaedyn Randell, together with The Graduate Choir New Zealand and a full-strength Auckland Philharmonia, performing timeless singalong carols, festive melodies and orchestral classics.

Brilliant Kiwi singers Jaedyn Randell and Matu Ngaropo take the reins for this musical sleigh ride, performing a sparkling spread of festive favourites with the orchestra and choir, including White Christmas, Santa Baby, Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song.

Accomplished actor, singer and stage performer Matu Ngaropo is best known for his acclaimed portrayal of George Washington in the Australian production of Hamilton, alongside standout performances as William Shakespeare in &Juliet and as the voice of Scar in The Lion King Reo Māori. His most recent performance, as Emcee in Auckland Theatre Company’s Cabaret, was described as ‘mind-blowing’ (Andrew Whiteside).  A versatile performer across musical theatre, classical works and screen productions, Matu is a dynamic talent who will bring his wonderful charisma, stage presence and voice to Christmas Cheer.

Jaedyn Randell is one of Aotearoa’s most exciting rising vocal stars. She came to fame as the runner-up on Season 13 of The Voice Australia and as voice of Moana in Disney’s Moana Reo Māori and Moana 2 Reo Māori, and Princess Anna in Frozen Reo Māori. Jaedyn performed at Sydney’s iconic Carols in the Domain event last year and this December she returns home to make her Auckland Philharmonia debut in the orchestra’s two performances of its Christmas Cheer concert.

Join an Auckland Phil Christmas concert to experience your favourite festive tunes performed by some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians and performers. Book now at aucklandphil.nz

Auckland Philharmonia Photo Credit: Thomas Hamill