The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has unveiled a star-studded 2026 season featuring some of the world’s most sought-after musicians, major international debuts, and a program that blends beloved classical works with contemporary commissions.

Over the course of the year, the orchestra will perform more than 40 concerts across 15 cities and towns, from Auckland to Dunedin.

NZSO Principal Conductor Gemma New. Portrait © Benjamin Ealovega

At the centre of the season is Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, who will lead four major programs. These include the NZSO debut of Canadian violinist James Ehnes, the return of UK-Australian pianist Sir Stephen Hough, and a solo performance by the orchestra’s Principal Clarinettist Patrick Barry in Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. New will also conduct Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony in Wellington and Dunedin, joined by the Orpheus Choir and City Choir Dunedin.

“Big Ideas, Big Emotions has been our theme in planning this season,” New said. “I’m looking forward to sharing personal favourites in the traditional canon – Mahler’s First...