Christchurch is a city of approximately 360,000 inhabitants and it is fiercely proud of its orchestra, which has been described as "a modern miracle, boxing way above its weight". Reviewers and visiting artists consistently marvel over the innovation of its programmes and the quality of its playing.

Christchurch has had an orchestra for 50 years. Christchurch Symphony Orchestra had its origins in the John Ritchie Strings formed in 1958. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Incorporated was formed in 1975. It is now managed by a Trust, governed by a Board of Trustees, and it is registered for charitable purposes.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is the South Island's major professional orchestra, retaining tenured players. It employs a Chief Executive and five other full-time staff, who are assisted by other part-time staff in specific roles.

The orchestra, itself, comprises of 39 tenured players, augmented by up to another eighty part-time professionals, who are hired as required for specific performances.

Its Concertmaster, Jan van den Berg, formerly played in both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has been with the Christchurch Symphony for ten years.

Sir William Southgate, formerly the orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor, has been awarded the esteemed rank of Conductor Laureate.

In 2002, the Christchurch Symphony appointed its first Music Director, Marc Taddei, to oversee the programming and artistic development of the orchestra. Christchurch Symphony Orchestra has appointed Tom Woods as Principal Conductor for 2008/2009.

Soundly governed, managed and musically focussed, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra has recently made rapid strides in the quality of its performances, well received by critics, audiences, sponsors and funders alike.

Between 25 and 75 players are used for each concert, which typically involves 4 - 5 evening / weekend rehearsals, and a Saturday night performance in the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, which has a capacity of almost 2200.

Both New Zealand and international artists are commissioned as soloists and conductors to augment the regular appearances as conductor of the Principal Conductor and Conductor Laureate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2008 Winner’s Tour is made possible through the exceptional collegiality with partners, Chamber Music New Zealand, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to the generosity shown by our sponsors, we wish to thank the following companies for their support of the 2008 Winner's Tour: Jucy Rentals, Party Plus, The Quadrant Hotel Auckland & Touch of Spice.