“I found Opus Orchestra's exuberant energy inspiring...”
Bianca Andrew,
Mezzo Soprano
Welcome to Opus Orchestra
We are the professional orchestra for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and the wider Central North Island. Proudly local, we deliver superb live music while supporting our beloved regional venues.
Artistic excellence, gifted musicians and total dedication - this is our orchestra. Help Keep The Music Playing
REFLECTING ON…
The Journey of Mataatua Whare
by Dame Gillian Whitehead
On Matariki Weekend 2025, Opus Orchestra had the huge privilege of giving the premiere performance of Dame Gillian Whitehead’s evocative piece “The Journey of Mataatua Whare” in a private performance to Ngati Awa inside Mataatua itself. The piece describes the incredible journey of this wharenui and the treatment it suffered in Australia and England before finally returning home to Whakatane (see its story here). Commissioned by the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Tessa Petersen, who acted as our Guest Concertmaster on the day, the powerful music moved both Ngati Awa audience members and our own musicians to tears. We were honoured to be joined by soloists Paul Whelan, Tomairangi Henare and Rebecca Ryan, a 4 voice chorus from Dunedin, conductor Peter Walls and Dame Gillian Whitehead herself. It was an unforgettable day of cultural connections and a true testament to the power of music.
Be a part of the magic
Thanks to our generous friends and supporters, we are able to keep the music alive in our region. You can be a part of our whānau too! There are many ways to help.
Upcoming events
Discovering Beethoven…
Beethoven - Symphony No. 7
We look forward to welcoming guest conductor Brent Stewart with whom we will dive into the music of Beethoven.
Brent will guide audiences on a journey of discovery through Beethoven’s popular Symphony No. 7.
Friday, 17 October, 7:30 PM, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (Hamilton)
Saturday, 18 October, 2:00 PM, St John's Presbyterian Church (Rotorua)
Sunday, 19 October, 3:00 PM, St Peters in the City (Tauranga)
TICKETS COMING SOON….
WATCH
Opus Orchestra is committed to fostering New Zealand Music. Watch the orchestra perform “Made in Aotearoa” in October 2022, conducted by Peter Walls.
PROGRAMME:
Ross Harris: Chamber Symphony (World Premiere)
Lyell Cresswell: Kaea (soloist: David Bremner)
Opus Orchestra’s performance of Made in Aotearoa in Hamilton, 7 October 2022