Who We Are

OUR MISSION

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra serves its community by enriching the lives of, and engaging people of all ages through live performances of popular and accessible orchestral music.

OUR VISION

  • To be respected as a high-performing community-based arts organisation.
  • To reach out to and engage all segments of the community.
  • To present inspired performances of popular orchestral music.
  • To collaborate with other arts and community organisations, and individuals.
  • To develop the artistry of our own musicians as well as providing a platform for local, emerging artists to perform with a fully symphony orchestra.

OUR VALUES

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra is committed to:

Excellence: Sustaining a tradition of excellence in all aspects of governance, operation and artistic performance.

Community Engagement: Being an orchestra of and for the community by engaging in positive and collaborative relationships with our members, their families and whanau, and the wider community.

Integrity: Upholding a culture of ethics and acting in ways that are fair, honest and just.

Relevance: Inspiring enjoyment through a variety of accessible orchestral music.

Financial Sustainability: Investing responsibly in our present and planning carefully for our future.

Environment: Creating a welcoming, caring and creative environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity.

Collaboration: Respecting the collective contribution of all stakeholders and associates

ASO BMC Oct23

Our Story

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has a rich history dating back to 1975 when it was founded as a result of a 30th anniversary reunion of players from the Auckland Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO), known today as the Auckland Youth Orchestra. 

Gary Daverne ONZM, a former clarinetist of the JSO was chosen as music director and conductor and along with the administrative skills of Patricia Goddard, a former double bass player in the JSO, the Music Players of Auckland was formed. Two years later the name was formally changed to the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, becoming an incorporated society in 1979. Patricia continued to play with the orchestra until the late 1980’s and Gary retired in December 2010 after thirty-five years at the helm. A new conductor was appointed as Gary's successor, leaving the orchestra in 2021.

In the beginning years the orchestra made its home at St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral in Parnell, performing free Sunday afternoon concerts for family and friends lasting a little over one hour without an interval, filled with a selection of classical, film, show and popular music. This formula was very successful for the orchestra and concerts continue to have this format today.

In 1990, the ASO was asked to run a sound-check in the new Aotea Centre auditorium, and when St Mary's became unavailable later that year, Gary worked his magic and the Aotea Centre became the orchestra’s new concert venue, with the generous support of Auckland Live. With this continues support, a few years later the orchestra moved to performing in both the Auckland Town Hall and the Bruce Mason Centre.

Over the years, the ASO has grown in stature and reputation, evolving into a highly-regarded community orchestra comprising people from all walks of life. The ASO has played a significant role in the cultural landscape of Auckland, performing regularly at various venues across the city and collaborating with local and international soloists, composers, and ensembles. The orchestra has also been involved in educational initiatives, outreach programs, and community engagement activities, aiming to foster a greater appreciation for orchestral music and support emerging talent in the region.

Today, the orchestras’ original vision remains the same as it was in 1975 – a community orchestra providing opportunities for musicians who have chosen a career outside of music to be able to continue to play and perform a range of orchestral music for the people of Auckland. Of the 40 original founding members, four players are still active members of the orchestra today.

Check out our YouTube channel for recordings of past concerts.

Margaret Neutze - founding member

Our Gratitude

The ASO gratefully acknowledges our funders, donors and community partners.

Every Gift Matters, ensuring that the Auckland community continues to benefit from accessible orchestra performances.

Collaborative Partnerships:

  • Auckland Symphony Chorus – Ivonga Green and Niu Taala
  • Auckland Regional Highland Dance Company
  • City of Sails Pipe Band
  • Harbour Voices
  • Vocalis

Guest Conductors 2024:

  • Emma Featherstone
  • Jono Palmer
  • Nicholas Forbes

Key Funding Supporters:

Auckland Live supporting auckland symphony orchestra
NZ Lion Foundation supporting auckland symphony orchestra
NZ Community Trust supporting auckland symphony orchestra
Creative Communities NZ supporting auckland symphony orchestra
air rescue and community services supporting auckland symphony orchestra
Margaret Neutze foundation
Pub Charity Logo
the breeze supporting auckland symphony orchestra
blue sky community trust supporting auckland symphony orchestra
Toshiba supporting auckland symphony orchestra
i love takapuna supporting auckland symphony orchestra