Play with us

Learn, play and connect

Join an ensemble

Performance is not only a cornerstone of music education at NCMA but also a gateway to numerous benefits for individuals and the community. For both children and adults, participating in performance activities offers a multitude of beneficial experiences. It nurtures confidence, fosters teamwork, and enhances communication skills. Moreover, it provides a platform for self-expression and creativity, encouraging young minds to explore their unique talents.

At NCMA, we take pride in our strong affiliation with various performance groups across the Nelson-Tasman region. This partnership allows our members to connect with a wider community of musicians, collaborating in inspiring performances that enrich both the performers and the audience. Join our performance groups and immerse yourself in the transformative power of music.

NCMA ensembles

All students taking part in our groups or classes need to be a member of NCMA. Please visit our enquiry page for more information.

Ensemble

Join a community group

There are many other local community music groups based across the region that you may be interested in joining. We recommend using the Found Directory to explore the musical possibilities.

Nelson Symphony Orchestra
The Nelson Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1967 and is the longest standing symphonic orchestra in the Nelson/Tasman region. It is comprised of a pool of committed and dedicated orchestral musicians from throughout the region and performs a wide range of music from traditional orchestral classical repertoire to modern works.

The NSO provides a platform for players with existing orchestral skills and a learning environment for younger high-achieving players. It utilises local professional conductors and soloists as well as professional artists from around the country to conduct and perform with the orchestra.

Concerts are held as a series of four per year with forty to fifty players involved in each concert. Players rehearse weekly for 6 weeks before each concert with a concentrated set of rehearsals in the final two weeks.

We welcome new players of Grade 8 and above. For more information on how to join, please visit the NSO website or email our secretary at [email protected]

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Nelson Civic Choir
Nelson Civic Choir is one of New Zealand’s oldest choirs created by the community for the community. Its purpose is to promote classical and contemporary choral music for all to enjoy – both participants and audience alike.

The choir has been in existence in some form for more than 160 years. And today, under the leadership of its new Music Director, Jason Balla, who brings to the choir more than 35 years of music making on the international classical music scene, the choir continues to grow, to thrive, and to bring exciting concerts to the Nelson community and beyond. We are a non-auditioned, community-based choir and we welcome singers of all ages and abilities.

The choir meets every Tuesday at NCMA’s recital room from 7pm to 9pm. For more information please visit the Nelson Civic Choir website or email the NCC Secretary.

(photos of Nelson Civic Choir: Oliver Weber Photography 2023)

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Chroma Chamber Choir
Chroma Chamber Choir was established in 2010 by past Polyhymnos members under the Musical Directorship of Alan K Gray. Entry to this chamber choir is by audition, with a focus on the blending of voices singing in polyphony but parts sounding as one voice. The ability to read music is desirable, as is good pitch and commitment. Being a small choir, members take on various roles and using the talents within the choir helps keep the choir running smoothly.

Music from the 15^th Century to present day, including local composers, creates a varied repertoire. Currently, guest conductors are engaged bringing different styles to rehearsals. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm in the NCMA Recital Theatre.

For more information please visit the Chroma Chamber Choir facebook page or email [email protected]

(photo: NakedEye Digital Vison Nelson 2020)

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