Free Organ Concert Series 2023

The Auckland Live Free Organ Concert Series is back bringing another year of music from the majestic Auckland Town Hall Organ, New Zealand’s largest concert hall organ. 

Since launching in 2010, these annual concerts have attracted thousands of music lovers, young and old. The heritage-listed Auckland Town Hall and its larger-than-life pipe organ were inaugurated in 1911 when the building was officially opened. 

The instrument had been donated by Sir Henry Brett, former mayor of Auckland with a condition of “a certain number of performances be given to the public free every year”, a task which now falls to the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust who, in partnership with Auckland Live, are responsible for presenting four concerts each year, often bringing the world’s top performers to the city. 

The 2023 season will see returning favourite Michael Stewart kick things off. He will be joining forces with a 100-strong Auckland Youth Choir and the programme will include the world premiere of Auckland composer Takerei Komene’s new work for choir and organ He Tamaiti ō te Ao Tukupū.  

Next up, we welcome the world-renowned Canadian organist and Juilliard graduate Isabelle Demers followed by a concert which brings organ and violin together with Kemp English, one of New Zealand’s leading concert performers, and violinist Yuka Eguchi, assistant concertmaster with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. 

A selection of New Zealand’s up-and-coming young organists closes the season. The line-up for this will be announced later in the year.  

Join us and experience the Auckland Town Hall Organ in all its glory in one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s iconic landmarks. 

 

The 2023 Programme: 

9 Jul – Isabelle Demers 

3 Sep – Organ & Violin (Kemp English and Yuka Eguchi)  

12 Nov – Rising Stars 2023 

 

All concerts are free but require an entry ticket, booked through Moshtix. You can support the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust with a donation. There will be collection buckets as you exit the Great Hall on the day.  

Learn more about the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust.