Article from South Auckland orchestra’s very special spirit – Wiri Licensing Trust Written by Sheryl Blythen.
When the Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) takes the stage for its annual Family Concert next month, the audience might spot a gifted 10-year-old performing alongside an accomplished professional.
That’s because the MSO takes a unique, whānau-based approach to orchestral music making. It brings together community and professional musicians, young learners and seasoned performers, and creates a collaborative environment that’s welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring.
The orchestra was founded when the Howick Pakuranga Youth Orchestra combined with the local community orchestra in the early 1990s and performed its first concert in 1993. From its early beginnings, the MSO’s Tuakana Mentorship Programme has paired experienced players with up-and-coming musicians, nurturing talent and building bridges between generations and cultures.
Music Director Uwe Grodd says this innovative approach provides an opportunity for younger players to improve by playing with adults and community players to be supported by professional musicians.
“It’s a fusion of experience, enthusiasm and energy which guides the orchestra and creates its very special spirit, which is now a tagline we use in all our marketing.”
The community players in the orchestra come from all walks of life, with IT specialists, health specialists and teachers all taking roles, Uwe says. The professional musicians are of the highest calibre and are held in esteem by the wider music community.
This extraordinary blend of players will be on display at the Wiri Licensing Trust MSO Family Concert, which will take place at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau, on Sunday, June 15 at 5pm.
MSO General Manager Shelley Robertson says the family concert is a joyful, interactive experience, designed to make orchestral music exciting and accessible for tamariki and their whānau.
“Through storytelling, familiar melodies, and an engaging presentation, we introduce younger audiences to the wonders of the orchestra while offering a nostalgic experience to those of a certain age, all in a fun and welcoming way.
“Our concerts aren’t just performances – they’re community gatherings that celebrate local stories, honour our cultural heritage, and invite everyone to experience the joy of live orchestral music.
“It’s about planting seeds of curiosity and creativity. We want young people to see themselves on stage, to feel inspired by the sounds they hear, and to realise that classical music is for everyone, not just a select few. For many, this concert is their first step into a lifelong love of music.”
The Family Concert is only an hour long, and ticket prices are cheaper than those for other MSO concerts to make the event accessible to all. Parking is free.
It’s also an opportunity to showcase the talents of some of the orchestra’s youngest members. This year’s show will feature a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old soloist, plus the winners of the 2025 Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition.
The Wiri Licensing Trust is delighted to be the naming rights sponsor of the 2025 Family Concert.
General Manager Kim Green says the Trust is always looking for ways to increase support for arts and cultural initiatives that celebrate and showcase the talents and stories of the ethnically diverse Wiri population.
Earlier this year, the Trust supported the orchestra’s application for a Trillian grant to cover the mentoring costs of the four special school concerts the MSO delivered. More than 2300 students from 30 schools attended the concerts at no cost.
“We present a formal concert in an informal fashion, catered for school children. It features New Zealand stories, New Zealand music and some famous classical pieces. It goes for just under an hour and the kids scream the house down,” Uwe Grodd says.
MSO also supports young performers through its scholarship programme, which has been running for many years. It began when Uwe became aware of a talented 10-year-old girl in the orchestra who came from a family that had limited funds for music study.
Discovering that it is not unusual for young people in South Auckland to struggle to advance their musical endeavours without funding for specialised lessons, Uwe worked with the orchestra management to set up the scholarship programme.
Today, that young girl is a full-time music teacher in a prestigious Auckland private school, having studied for a master’s in music at university. The scholarship programme has grown significantly since it began – there have been 14 recipients in the past 12 months.
As they progress in their musical development, some of these young people are invited to appear in MSO concerts as soloists.
“They stand at the front of the stage, supported by the orchestra they have grown up with. It brings their whānau immense pride and leaves them with an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives,” says Uwe.
Concerts and scholarships would not be possible without the support of local benefactors and funders such as the Wiri Licensing Trust. Worldwide, ticket prices only cover about 20 per cent of the costs of putting on an orchestra concert and the MSO operates in an area where the community often struggles financially.
“Support from local funders like the Wiri Licensing Trust is vital to everything we do. Their contributions allow us to keep ticket prices affordable, provide mentorship and development opportunities for young musicians, and deliver inclusive programming serving South Auckland’s diverse communities,” says Shelley Robertson.
“It’s thanks to partnerships like these that MSO can remain a strong, accessible, and uplifting cultural voice in the region.”
Tickets for the Wiri Licensing Trust MSO Family Concert are on sale now at Eventfinda.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
