Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra - the Auckland Philharmonia

3 Context for overall NZ orchestral sectorInternationally, the shape and structure of orchestral sectors reflect a country’s political and socialhistory and development. As the world has democratised and urbanised, in recent years the modelfor symphony orchestras has emphasised commercially and community‐centred city‐basedorchestras. (Refer to Appendix for APO’s analysis of national orchestra models).Currently, New Zealand does not appear to clearly fit any one established model for symphonyorchestras. The orchestra sector in New Zealand encompasses:• Two fulltime professional orchestras• Three part‐time professional orchestras• Many community orchestras• At least two part‐time professional chamber orchestras• Several semi‐professional chamber orchestras• Youth orchestras• Myriad school orchestras and bands• Hundreds of professional music teachers• Many thousands of young people taking music lessons• Approx 250 FTE employed by orchestras; over 80% with the APO and NZSOThe elder of the nation's two full time professional orchestras, the NZSO, has its origins as a radioorchestra, has a national role and also undertakes regional and international touring. The other fulltime professional orchestra, the APO, has developed in strength as Auckland has come of age as aworld‐class city. Other smaller orchestras exist in other cities.Increased professionalismFigure 3: New Zealand symphonic orchestra professionalismThe orchestral review is charged with assessing whether the current model provides for optimaldelivery of orchestral services to New Zealanders and, if not, identifying other options. A key focusas the orchestral sector moves forward is how to maintain the inherent strengths within NewZealand's two fulltime professional orchestras while refining how their services can be delivered inthe most meaningful, cost‐effective and efficient manner.Contextualising Auckland and the NZ orchestral sector Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Page 9