Aotea Youth Symphony

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International Pianist Daniel Verstappen
and the AYS

Belgian composer/pianist Daniel Verstappen joins the Aotea Youth Symphony for two concerts showcasing Verstappen's genius for creating new variations of original film scores as well as his very original compositions.

Daniel's relaxed approach ensures his music is both accessible and still keeps the artistic integrity intact.
Daniel is a wonderful music ambassador and enjoys playing with local groups wherever he tours.

His enthusiasm for music is contagious.

Come and enjoy Daniel's playing at two concerts, as part of The Auckland Arts Festival.

Saturday 21st March at 7:30 at St Matthews in the City, Hobson Street. NB, Changed venue and time for this concert.
For tickets go to:

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/daniel-verstappen-the-aotea-youth-orchestra/auckland

Sunday 22nd March at The Theatre, Selwyn Village, Point Chevalier at 2:00, entry by Koha.

THE AOTEA YOUTH SYMPHONY
at St Matthews'

Our Annual St Matthews Concert was on Thursday 21st September.

We had a great concert at the wonderful St Mathews where the acoustics allow the sounds of the Orchestra and the voices of the Songsters to sing out, from the Overture from Schubert's Rosamunde through to the joyful finale of our Irish Selection, a medley of traditional Irish Jigs and Reels. On the way the songsters gave us Schubert's Ave Maria, and later The Prayer by Foster and Sager; we visited the Caribbean to join up with the Pirates there, stopped off at a Rodeo for a Hoedown and Danced in Hungary. We were awed by the G minor Fugue ("The Lesser") by Bach, serenaded by the Intermezzo Sinfonico by Mascagni and treated to a beautiful rendition of the "Meditation" from Massenet's Thaïs with soloist Christella Suwandi.

Thanks go to Maestro Paul Harrop, the players and soloist of the Orchestra and the Selwyn Songsters for a night to remember.
Photographs are courtesy of Matt Armstrong.

The LAST NIGHT of the PROMS

The rowdy, colourful, jingoistic classical concert PARTY! For more photos visit the Gallery

music matters to us

Music encourages creativity and builds self-esteem, confidence and emotional well-being. The Aotea Youth Symphony prides itself on providing a friendly and supportive environment where young musicians can learn and grow.

We are a community-based youth orchestra, with the primary aim of providing a further dimension to the musical experiences of young musicians outside the school environment in an interesting, educational and enjoyable setting.

The Symphony is for musicians from about eleven to the early twenties. The orchestra provides the discipline and experience of ensemble playing in a fun and social environment.

We expect commitment and dedication from our players, but most of all we’re about having fun with music.
If this sounds like you, why not apply to join us today?

The most recent Garden Party Concert at historic Alberton in Mount Albert, had perfect weather for our audience and players with beautifully dappled sunlight coming through the magnificent trees.
There was some Irish music, after all it's was held close to St Patrick's Day, but there was also a bit of catchy American music, some truly classical items, and many other pieces.
When Alberton was in use as a family home, it often had music in the house, although probably not a full-sized orchestra. The atmosphere lends itself to music and also to living in a relaxed manner, so our audience brought rugs or seats, a picnic, and enjoyed a day out of their busy routine, transporting them back to the 1890's.
Some photos of the Garden Party.

what's coming up

Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Visit

Our long-standing friends from the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony visited Auckland again for a few days in June. They saw the sites of Auckland and the surrounding area, including (since they are an orchestra) the Waiheke Musical Musuem. Then we joining them in a combined concert in the Selwyn Theatre. Our players had a great time meeting other young people with similar interests and then playing a concert together.
Our grateful thanks go to the many people who helped by hosting the players, the reports we have heard are all of great times.