Friends of CSO

Membership of Friends of CSO is open to all those who share a common interest in orchestral music, whether it be the great classics or songs form the shows. Our emphasis is on sharing enriching experiences through orchestral music, getting to know the players, others in the CSO family, and each other.

These are just some of the benefits you can expect:

  • Discounted concert programmes.
  • Deepen your engagement with the orchestra with regular opportunities to meet the CSO players.
  • Meet new people who share the enriching experience of orchestral music in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
  • Members-only invitations to selected open rehearsals - get the behind-the-scenes look at how concerts are prepared.
  • Pre-order interval drinks at some concert venues and socialise with other members.
  • Mid-week talks by the players and visiting performers.
  • See the award-winning Community Engagement Programme in action.

We are also committed to supporting the orchestra financially. We welcome your donations which will go towards specific projects such as the purchase of scores for the CSO library. There's nothing quite like a party with all your friends, so we will hold just one major fundraising event each year to celebrate our orchestra and being a Friend of CSO.

We invite you to join the circle of Friends of CSO. Annual subscriptions are very affordable at $50 for adults and $30 for seniors (over 65 years).

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

  • Become a Member +

    The Friends of the CSO have been around for many years, exiting, in the first instance, to help support our orchestra financially. This support is crucial, making an important contribution to the survival of our orchestra, but it is the added companionship and shared love of music that really sets the Friends apart. It is not often you get the chance to really make a difference to the wellbeing of one of the key arts organisations in Canterbury while gaining so many personal rewards.

    This year, we are proud to be engaging in a new and innovative offering from the CSO as sponsors of The Artist Series, where Gordon Hunt, Principal Oboe of the London Philharmonia Orchestra, and Martin Riseley, CSO Concertmaster, each take to the stage in their own concerts as both soloist and conductor. Our sponsorship will provide the platform for Christchurch audiences to share the world-class talents of these musicians and, as a member of the Friends, there will be some exciting social events to partake in.

    As well as the dedicated fundraising for the Orchestra, the committee of the Friends organises a number of social occasions for our members to get together throughout the year to meet others who share their interest in music. You will have the opportunity to meet key members of the orchestra as well as some of our celebrated guest artists. It is these personal connections that enhance the enjoyment of the overall orchestra experience.

    We would like to cordially invite you to come on board and join the Friends of the CSO. Annual subscriptions are very affordable at $50 for adults and $30 for seniors (over 65). For this small investment, we will keep you up to date with what is happening within our CSO family through our quarterly newsletters as well as sending you invitations to all our events.

    We very much look forward to welcoming you. 

    *As the Friends are registered with the Charities Commission, all donations may be tax-deductible in accordance with taxation legislation. 

  • Contact Details +

    Please feel free to contact us with any queries: 

    Mail: Friends of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Inc, PO Box 20092, Christchurch 8543

    Email: friendsofcs@xtra.co.nz

    Lorraine Logan, Vice President
    T  (03) 358 4919

  • Upcoming events +

    • Thursday 16th August The final in the Coffee with the Conductor series with Chief Conductor Emeritus Tom Woods
    • As the orchestra marks its 60th Anniversary, we too, will join in the celebrations with a not-to-be-missed dinner on Friday 14thSeptember.  Keep an eye out for further information.

     

    For further information please contact Lorraine Logan on 03 358 4919 or email friendsofcs@xtra.co.nz.