Tickets on sale NOW

View here
About Orchestra Wellington

Orchestra Wellington is more than just the music

With a rich history as New Zealand’s oldest regional orchestra founded in 1948, Orchestra Wellington’s audience numbers have grown to become one of the most consistently well attended in the country.

About Orchestra Wellington

With progressive programmes, accessible pricing, and a focus on community outreach, Orchestra Wellington is now recognised as one of the most exciting and progressive orchestras in the world.

In addition to our 6 concert series which is performed at Wellington’s premier venue, the Michael Fowler Centre, each year more than 100,000 people also hear Orchestra Wellington perform live at community, family and school concerts, as well as alongside New Zealand Opera and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Our concerts feature internationally-acclaimed soloists, as well as the best artists New Zealand has to offer.

Our goal is to be the most accessible orchestra in the country

We want people from all walks of life to experience the thrill of live orchestral music through a number of accessibility initiatives and an array of community outreach concerts. We don’t restrict ourselves to the concert halls, taking our music to the streets and performing in iconic Wellington locations with and for our community.

Our history

Built on a rich legacy and shaped by generations of musicians and audiences, our journey reflects an orchestra that continues to grow with its community.

1948

The Beginning: Alex Lindsay String Orchestra

Violinist Alex Lindsay founded the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra in Wellington, creating one of New Zealand’s earliest professional ensembles and laying the foundations for what would become today’s Orchestra Wellington.

1973

A Regional Orchestra is Established

With support from the Arts Council of New Zealand, the ensemble was re-established as the Wellington Regional Orchestra, expanding its scope and strengthening its role as the capital’s professional regional orchestra.

1991–2004

Wellington Sinfonia

The orchestra entered a new phase as Wellington Sinfonia, continuing to develop its artistic profile and community presence.

2005–2012

Vector Wellington Orchestra

A major sponsorship partnership saw the organisation become Vector Wellington Orchestra, supporting growth in scale and ambition.

2007

Marc Taddei Appointed Music Director

Marc Taddei became Music Director, launching a period of artistic expansion, large-scale repertoire, recordings, and national recognition that continues today.

2011

Composer-in-Residence Programme Established

The orchestra appointed composer Chris Gendall as Composer-in-Residence, establishing an ongoing programme dedicated to New Zealand composers and new orchestral works.

2012

Orchestra Wellington

The organisation adopted its current name, Orchestra Wellington, reflecting both its heritage and a bold contemporary vision for the future.

2018

Wellington Gold Awards: Gold Winner

Orchestra Wellington received the Gold Award at the Wellington Gold Awards, recognising excellence, innovation, and contribution to the region’s cultural life.

2010s–Present

Commitment to New Zealand Music

Through partnerships with SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and independent commissions, Orchestra Wellington continues to commission, premiere, and champion works by composers of Aotearoa.

2025

Composer-in-Residence: Victoria Kelly

Award-winning composer Victoria Kelly joined the orchestra as Composer-in-Residence, including the development of her major new opera project Ocean.

Today

Your Orchestra

Now recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most dynamic orchestras, Orchestra Wellington combines artistic ambition with deep community connection across the Wellington region.

We are PLAYING FOR YOU.

From unforgettable performances at the Michael Fowler Centre to vibrant events across Wellington’s streets, neighbourhoods, and shared spaces, Orchestra Wellington brings live music to the heart of our city and throughout the Wellington region. We perform alongside leading artists and creative partners, celebrate the moments that matter to our community, and create experiences that are welcoming, exciting, and alive with possibility.