Manukau Symphony Orchestra

The Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a community orchestra based in South Auckland. The orchestra presents four varied concerts annually to patrons from across Auckland at the Vodafone Events Centre. Established in 1993 with active support from the Manukau City Council and the Manukau community, the orchestra is 27 years of age this year. They have blossomed from a small 22-piece ensemble to the present-day fully-fledged Symphony, with around 80 musicians on stage at each performance.

Professor Uwe Grodd has been the orchestra’s Music Director since its foundation. Two orchestras – the Howick Orchestra and the Howick-Pakuranga Youth Orchestra – were forerunners to the Manukau Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra provides a unique opportunity for youth and community musicians to work along side and receive mentoring from professional players.

The MSO continually support and provide scholarships to talented youth players as well as frequently commission and premiere new works from New Zealand composers, right in the heart of Manukau. The orchestra is also proud to support New Zealand soloists and brings in world-class international soloists to the community of South Auckland.