Experience, participate, inspire!
There's something for everyone at Central Celebrates, our 8th annual mini-festival celebrating the joy of ensemble music making presented by Orchestras Central.
Experience a range of immersive concerts for whānau, music lovers and sonic explorers of all kinds.
Dig out an old instrument and join our all-comers Rusty Player Orchestra, or witness the extraordinary talent of our rising young composers and performers of tomorrow at an exciting range of open workshops. Join us for an immersive evening of poetry and music.
Open Rehearsal
Youth Orchestra Waikato
Friday 22 August 2025
7pm - 8pm
See how an orchestra works! Come and experience our young musicians in rehearsal.
Youth Showcase
Youth Orchestra Waikato with Te Rauhii and
Waikato Community School of Music
Saturday 23 August 2025
1pm - 1.45pm
Showcasing the very best young musicians in the Waikato.
Flights of Fancy
OCT Ensemble
Saturday 23 August 2025
7pm
Juxtaposing famous baroque music inspired by birdsong and contemporary New Zealand works championing our own bird life and those lost to us.
Rusty Celebrates
Rusty Player Orchestra
Sunday 24 August 2025
10am - 12.30pm
Join Aotearoa's most relaxed orchestra, joining in the joy and camaraderie of social music-making.
Composition Competition and Workshop
OCT Ensemble
Sunday 24 August 2025
10am - 1pm
Watch as brand new compositions are workshopped and performed. Winners announced on the day.
Musical Fairy Tales: ‘Mischief in the Meadow’
Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 24 August 2025
3pm
The musical adventures of Peter, the Wolf, a lion and an elephant! A Family Orchestral Experience.
