NZSO Brings Christmas Cheer And More With Summer Brass Tour

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will deliver a bold and exhilarating concert experience that celebrates brass brilliance, festive cheer, and timeless classics with its Summer Brass tour in December.

Summer Brass showcases the power and precision of the NZSO’s Brass and Percussion sections, who perform a programme to stir the soul and ignite the holiday spirit. With commanding energy and musical finesse, the ensemble presents a rich tapestry of sound—from the grandeur of Baroque masterpieces to the stirring drama of 20th-century fanfares.

The seven-date tour begins in Wellington (5 Dec), followed by performances in Paraparaumu (6 Dec), Whanganui (9 Dec), Napier (10 Dec), Rotorua (11 Dec), Hamilton (12 Dec) and Tauranga (13 Dec).

Audiences will be swept away as the NZSO performs Christopher Mowat’s vibrant arrangement of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Samuel Barber’s haunting Mutations from Bach, and Henri Tomasi’s theatrical Fanfares Liturgiques, a work that moves between solemnity and splendour with theatrical flair.

As the festive season draws near, the NZSO infuses the programme with a joyful twist—beloved Christmas classics reimagined through the warm, golden tones of a brass ensemble. From jubilant carols to heartwarming melodies, the orchestra delivers holiday favourites like Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells Swing-a-Ling-Ding, and Joy to the World in all their seasonal glory.

Whether you love classical music or simply looking to kick off the summer with something special, Summer Brass offers a concert experience that invites everyone to join in. With its vibrant mix of Baroque elegance, contemporary drama, and festive favourites, the NZSO creates the perfect outing for families, friends, and music lovers across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Get ready to be entertained, uplifted, and inspired—this is more than a concert, it’s a celebration.

© Scoop Media