Community Engagement

Karawhiua! Let's Play! is our critically acclaimed school residency programme in which CSO musicians base themselves in a school for a week. We work with students from all year groups, supporting them as they develop class based music projects. 

During 2020, we will be based in a different school each term and are especially interested in working with schools that have little or no music programmes in place but are keen to offer their students the opportunity to participate in musical experiences. 

Karawhiua! Let's Play! residencies are Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom supported by the Ministry of Education. 

We want to share music with as many people as possible from our cmmunities and the Encounter programme provides a wide range of opportunities to hear CSO musicians perform. 

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Music Trails

We are delighted to expand our popular interactive music sessions for pre-schoolers across Canterbury, bringing music, song and dance to fourteen Canterbury libraries. See our calendar for a full list of dates and times. 

 

CSO in Schools

Groups of CSO musicians will visit primary schools throughout the Canterbury region to introduce the students to the instruments of the orchestra through fun, characterful music and hands on activities. 
 

 

Tūmahana: Exchange Concerts

Two vibrant and entertaining concerts combining both English and Te Reo Māori for school students (yrs 0-8) featuring the CSO in all its symphonic glory, along with performers from Circotica, will bring the spectacle of bi-cultural music collaboration and circus feats to stage. 

These two performances  are Learnng Experiences Outside the Classroom supported by the Ministry of Education. 

Please note that schools must provide their own transport to and from the Christchurch Town Hall. 

 

Ambassador Programmes

Our Ambassador Programmes offer students a unique in-depth view into the world of orchestral music. Students meet with CSO players, conductors and soloists, attend open rehearsals and can invite their peers to attend selected free concerts. 

 

Recitals at Retirement and Lifestyle Villages

Throughout the year, CSO ensembles will visit retirement and lifestyle villages, rest homes, and care centres, performing lively recitals featuring a wide range of music from elegant classics to popular favourites. 

 

Beethoven's Big Birthday Bash

Come along and join the festivities in this day long music festival on 28th June hosted by the CSO as we celebrate 250 years since Beethoven's birth. This is a free event for everyone to come along and participate in Beethoven's musical legacy as either performers or simply enjoy a day of great music. Click here for more information about Beethoven's Big Birthday Bash. 

 

For more information, please contact Cathy Irons at cathy.irons@cso.co.nz. 

 

 The CSO offers a wide range of opportunities through the Tune Up programme for musicians of all ages and abilitiesa to further develop their musical skills and knowledge. We look forward to meeting you and sharing musical experiences together. 

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Sectional Rehearsals

Would your concert band, orchestra or brass band like a CSO musician to come and coach a sectional for part or all of your group? We're keen to hear about the artistic goals of your organisation and to discuss how we might be able to support you to achieve these. 

 

Conducting Workshop

Led by CSO Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey, this interactive workshop offers valuable insights and helpful advice on conducting. 

 

CompositionLab: a new music workshop for composers

This workshop provides composers of all ages and abilities with an opportunity to have a composition performed by the CSO in a relaxed and supportive environment. 

 

Masterclasses

Throughout the year, the CSO will be hosting a series of Masterclasses by CSO musicians and visiting international guest artists. 

 

Elaine P Snowden Scholarship

This scholarship is avilable to University of Canterbury students and provides opportunities to perform in selected CSO concerts. 

 

Alison Barwick Internship Programme

Up to two young musicians are selected annually to receive lessons, mentoring and rehearsal access to the CSO. 

We are delighted to announce our 2020 Orchestral Internships and are currently inviting applicants.

The purpose of the Internship is to provide a stimulating, supportive and positive experience for young emerging musicians, where skills are developed and relationships formed within the professional orchestral environment. This programme forms the link between musical studies and orchestral performance.

The Internship Programme includes:

• 2 paid Concerts with the CSO
• 2 lessons with Section Principal
• Feedback from the principal or/and orchestral mentor

The Internship is open to any orchestral instrument and for players up to 25 years.  Applicants may be shortlisted and will be invited to audition. The requirements are:

• Own choice piece (accompaniment optional, accompanist not provided); 5 minutes
• Own choice scale and arpeggio
• Orchestral excerpts (2) (to be provided by CSO or any 2 NZSSSO excerpts)
• Sight-reading

Applications for the 2020 Internship Programme have now closed. For information on how to apply for the 2021 intake, please email cathy.irons@cso.co.nz. 

 

Professional Development for Teachers

The CSO has developed a series of workshops specifically for primary school teachers who aren't musicians but wish to offer music-based programmes to their students. Workshops aim to improve confidence through hands-on training. Participants do not need to read music or play an instrument. 

We are excited to launch our new programme of hands on music performance for people with dementia, in partnership with Dementia Canterbury. 

The programme is designed to instil enjoyment, creative expressions and develop new skills under the encouragement and support of CSO musicians. 

Our Platform programme, in partnership with Pathway Reintegration, takes music into correctional facilities, providing participants with opportunities for personal growth and to develop new skills through music and creative expresssion. 

See news coverage about our Platform programme below: 

Radio New Zealand

Stuff

TVNZ

The Amplify programme aims to provide opportunities for people of all abilities to experience, participate in and express themselves through music. 

We will continue to collaborate with Jolt Dance Company through their biennial showcase and Move and Collaborative classes. 

The CSO will also be introducing a series of relaxed performances. 

This masterclass series was established in 2016 in memory of our friend and colleague, Richard Chandler.

Peter & the Wolf/Pita me te Wuruhi Ebook in English and Te Reo Māori

• EPUB (for Kobo available on Google Play or App Store)
• MOBI (for Kindle available on Google Play or App Store)
• PDF (printable version)

Taonga puoro (Māori  instruments) resource

Karawhiua! Let's Play! post residency activities