Please enjoy this gift of carols performed by your New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
The Nutcracker: Marche - Tchaikovsky
Bright, playful and instantly recognisable, the Marche opens the festive world of The Nutcracker, capturing the excitement and pageantry of the Christmas celebration that sets the ballet in motion.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performs the Marche from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, conducted by Hamish McKeich.
The First Noël - Traditional
This traditional Christmas carol is reimagined for cello ensemble, bringing warmth, depth and rich harmony to a melody that has been sung for centuries.
Cellists from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Ken Ichinose Brigid O’Meeghan Sally Isaac Eleanor Carter Rowan Prior Annemarie Meijers perform The First Noël, arranged by A. W. Benoy and L. Sutton.
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky
One of the most recognisable moments in classical music, this delicate dance is scored to feature the celesta — an instrument Tchaikovsky famously introduced to Russian audiences — creating its shimmering, magical sound world.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performs Danse de la Fée Dragée (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) from Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet The Nutcracker, conducted by Hamish McKeich.
Adorar al Niño (Adore the Child) - Traditional
Warm, noble and festive in character, this arrangement by Torsten Maaß highlights the rich blend of brass sonorities, bringing a celebratory spirit and reverence to this lesser-known carol.
Performed by NZSO musicians: Trombone: Matthew Allison Bass Trombone: Shannon Pittaway Trumpet: Michael Kirgan, Mark Carter Horn: Sebastian Dunn.
Once in Royal David’s City - Gauntlett
Best known as the traditional opening hymn of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, this gentle carol is presented here in a rich, lyrical arrangement for cello ensemble.
Composed by Henry John Gauntlett and arranged by A. W. Benoy and L. Sutton. Performed by NZSO cellists: Ken Ichinose Annemarie Meijers Eleanor Carter Brigid O’Meeghan Sally Isaac Rowan Prior.
Dance of the Blessed Spirits - Gluck
Originally written for solo flute, this serene and lyrical movement accompanies Orpheus’s journey through the Elysian Fields, and is celebrated for its simplicity, poise and expressive purity.
Flutists from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Bridget Douglas Kirsten Eade Johanna Gruskin, perform Dance of the Blessed Spirits from Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice, arranged by P. Malcolm.
Danse russe (Trepak) from The Nutcracker - Tchaikovsky
One of the ballet’s most electrifying numbers, the Trepak is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian dance, driven by rapid tempos, bold rhythms and brilliant orchestral colour.
Winter, The Four Seasons, Largo - Vivaldi
Marked by a slow, suspended calm, the Largo evokes a solitary figure resting indoors while icy rain falls outside — one of Vivaldi’s most intimate and atmospheric movements, drawn directly from the sonnet accompanying Winter.
Featuring NZSO musicians: Violinists: Anne Loeser, Emma Barron, Janet Armstrong Violist: Victoria Jaenecke Cellist: Eleanor Carter Double bassist: Alanna Jones.
