Sunset Symphony
Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra
Date and time:
Saturday 21 February 2026
7.20pm Pre-show Kulios String Quartet
8pm Sunset Symphony
(Gates open 6.15pm)
Venue:
Rhododendron Lawn
Hamilton Gardens
Conductor:
Rupert D'Cruze
Soloists:
Sitiveni Seti Hale Palei - trumpet
Piper Blaster - typewriter
Tickets:
Entry by donation
One of the Waikato's most iconic and beloved events returns with a programme that celebrates collaboration, community, music and dance.
Experience symphonic favourites from the likes of Tchaikovsky, alongside dance numbers spanning culture and history - from Latin dance to music from The Lord of the Rings - all against the backdrop of a stunning Rhododendron Lawn sunset.
Bring a blanket, sit back and enjoy the show, or don your dancing shoes and dance into the sunset!
Kulios in partnership with Orchestras Central, will provide pre-show entertainment from 7.20pm. The evening will be MC'd by Stu and Camille from the Breeze and feature a special guest appearance from Don McGlashan.
Programme includes:
Toia Mai (Te Kowhai School and Whatawhata School kapa haka)
Waltz of the Flowers | Tchaikovsky
Lord of the Dance | Hardiman arr Larry Moore
March from Nutcracker Suite | Tchaikovsky
The Typewriter | Leroy Anderson
Chanson du Toreador from ‘Carmen Suite no 2
Sabre Dance | Khachaturian
Smooth | Santana arr J Brubaker
Don't Stop Me Now |Queen
Can Can | Offenbach
Fellowship of the Rings from Lord of the Rings | H. Shore arr. J. Whitney
Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond
This is a licensed event with bar facilities, and food available for purchase. Please note there is strictly no BYO alcohol, this includes 0% alcohol. Due to liquor licensing regulations, all bags will be checked on arrival.

