NZSO Schools Concert in the Michael Fowler Centre Photo: Phoebe Tuxford/NZSO
Curated specially for our tamariki, this family-friendly schools concert showcases beloved symphonic music, along with a new suite called Ngā Tohu o te Taiao, specially composed by Dr Jeremy Mayall and commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
This concert is a journey into the wonders of the natural world and includes a musical retelling of the Māori creation story. We’ll hear about Aotearoa New Zealand’s seasonal signs of nature, where and when to find them, and how to care for them. And there’s also a special song for children to sing with the orchestra, as well as other popular symphonic pieces.
The story was devised by Chris Lam Sam, Marcus Winter and Jeremy Mayall and the concert is hosted by Chris Lam Sam.
Chris Lam Sam – animateur
Marcus Winter - vocals and taonga pūoro
NZSO conducted by James Judd and Anne Filimoehala
Children attending NZSO Schools Concert in the Michael Fowler Centre Photo: Phoebe Tuxford/NZSO
Chris Lam Sam and Marcus Winter performing in NZSO Schools Concert in the Michael Fowler Centre Photo: Phoebe Tuxford/NZSO
Programme
Ngā Tohu o te Taiao - an original composition by Dr Jeremy Mayall with interpolations of popular pieces by Grieg, Beethoven & Dvořák.
1. Grieg - Morning, from Peer Gynt Suite No 1
2. Creation Story
A Māori tale of creation, the story of Ranginui - the sky father, and Papatūānuku - the earth mother, and how the heavens and the earth were created.
3. Showcasing the Signs
Learn about the traditional signs in each season
Hotoke - Winter | Koanga - Spring | Raumati - Summer | Ngahuru - Autumn
4. Ngā Tohu o te Taiao - A Waiata
(with lyrics by Chris Lam Sam and Marcus Winter)
5. Losing the Signs
We are losing the signs to pollution, climate change and shifts in understanding. Our seasonal signs get mixed together and lost in the noise
6. Beethoven - Movement 4, Storm, from Symphony No 6 in F, Pastoral
7. Rediscovering the Signs
There is something we can do. Lets learn how to adapt.
Ngahuru - Autumn | Raumati - Summer | Koanga - Spring |Hotoke - Winter
8. The Challenge
A call to action. Time for kaitiakitanga. Let's inspire one another to make a positive change.
9. Ngā Tohu o te Taiao - A Waiata (reprise)
(with lyrics by Chris Lam Sam and Marcus Winter)
10. Dvořák - Slavonic Dance No 7 in C, Op 72
Presenter: Clarissa Dunn
Producer: David McCaw
Sound Engineer: Darryl Stack
Recorded 29 May 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
