Young Performers From USA & NZ Unite for Free Performance

For the first time Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies from Minnesota, USA comes together with Auckland Youth Orchestra, seeing young performers from both sides of the globe take to the stage at Kia Ora, An Evening Of Classical Music. This one-off free performance, presented by Music Masters Concert Series, takes place at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna on 25 June.

One of the largest youth symphonies in the world, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) has a rich global touring history, empowering students with musical, social and cultural opportunities that will shape their lives for years to come. This performance marks the orchestra’s first visit to Aotearoa since 1992, and will see 120 talented performers between the ages of 16 and 19 head to our shores, led by conductor Mark Russell Smith.

“We’re thrilled to be heading to New Zealand for the first time in almost 35 years, and it’s such a privilege to get to perform at a concert with the Auckland Youth Orchestra. Performances like this offer our students the unique chance to connect across cultures and share in the joy of the international language of music.” says Mark Russell Smith.

Joining GTCYS is Auckland Youth Orchestra (AYO), the premier regional youth orchestra in Aotearoa. The first youth orchestra established in the Southern Hemisphere, the AYO is conducted by Antun Poljanich and continues to play a vital role in nurturing emerging orchestral talent in New Zealand. For Kia Ora, An Evening Of Classical Music, 60 local musicians from AYO come together on stage.

“Experiences of this scale are a gift for our budding young musicians. The standard is extremely high and the repertoire is world class.” says Antun Poljanich.

The concert’s repertoire will include GTCYS performing Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Michael Abels’ Delights & Dances and more, while AYO will perform Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 Movement One. AYO and GTCYS will also come together alongside Sistema Aotearoa to perform a joint piece titled Pasifika Medley.

While tickets are free, booking is essential. For those keen to support our local young performers, a paid VIP ticket is available to purchase. Funds raised will be donated to Sistema Aotearoa, who provide free, high-quality music education to tamariki in South Auckland, with a focus on building strong communities through collective music-making.

Each year Music Masters presents a series of annual concerts which take place across the globe, providing an opportunity for youth performance groups to showcase their talent, perform in marquee venues and further their skills. The Auckland concert is presented as part of a wider tour of the Southern Hemisphere, which will also see GTCYS head to Australia.

Join Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and Auckland Youth Orchestra for an evening celebrating music, culture and the extraordinary talent of youth performers.

Kia Ora, An Evening Of Classical Music
Thursday 25 June, 7PM (doors 6.30PM)
Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna
Price: Free, VIP tickets $20.39 (VIP ticket sales benefit Sistema Aotearoa)
Tickets