Christchurch Youth Orchestra
Concert Program 2026
The Christchurch Youth Orchestra Presents
" Legends of Earth and Sky "
Join the Christchurch Youth Orchestra for the first concert of the year "Legends of Earth and Sky" with new conductor, Grant Bartley. Come along for an evening of orchestral favourites on Saturday 9th May at 7:00pm in the Cashmere High School Performing Arts Centre. The programme includes Elgar’s Triumphal March from Caractacus, Khachaturian’s Adagio from Spartacus, Holst’s Mars and Jupiter from The Planets, Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Prokofiev’s Montagues and Capulets, Saint‑Saëns’ Danse Macabre and Márquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo. Drama, rhythm and melody for all ages!
The Christchurch Youth Orchestra Presents
" Cosmic Echoes "
Join the Christchurch Youth Orchestra for an unforgettable musical journey through space, imagination, and discovery in Cosmic Echoes.
Experience the grandeur of Gustav Holst's The Planets Suite, one of the most thrilling and evocative works ever written for orchestra. Travel to new horizons with selections from Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony, and be inspired by the majestic Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland.
The programme also features the beautiful Song to the Moon from Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák, performed by acclaimed soprano Helen Charlton, alongside the powerful and atmospheric Mandalorian Theme by Ludwig Göransson.
Completing this exciting programme is the energetic and inventive percussion ensemble work Square Peg, Round Hole by Elliot Cole, showcasing the remarkable talent of our young percussionists.
From celestial wonders to cinematic adventures, Cosmic Echoes promises an evening of inspiring music performed by some of Canterbury's finest young musicians.
Don't miss this spectacular orchestral adventure!
Concert Three 7 November 2026
The Christchurch Youth Orchestra Presents
" The Sound of Cinema "
Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street, Christchurch, Christchurch
Saturday 7 November 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Join the Christchurch Youth Orchestra with conductor Grant Bartley and experience the power of the orchestra as some of classical music’s greatest works meet the magic of the silver screen!
Hear Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, featured in The King’s Speech; Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s Fantasia; Saint-Saëns’ magnificent Organ Symphony; and the Festive Overture by Shostakovich.
Then journey into the world of film with music from Jurassic Park, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Toy Story and West Side Story, along with a John Williams Tribute featuring favourites from E.T., Superman, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
🌟 Featured soloists add even more to this extraordinary programme:
🎺 Monika Duncan – When She Loved Me from Toy Story
🪈 Finn Tann – Reinecke’s beautiful Ballade for flute
🎷 Alex Boot – John Williams’ Escapades from Catch Me If You Can
🪕 Aloysius – performing on Turkish saz in his own original composition
Come and discover just how much of the music you already know and love!
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