Opus Orchestra - Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra

posted: Tue, September 15, 2026

These school holidays: Make special memories, inspire your kids and treat them to something different!

On 11 October, Opus Orchestra, the professional orchestra for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, invites tamariki and their whanau to their family concert The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra at Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

The concert will be led by conductor Adam Maha and narrator Jeremy Hantler - a local primary school music teacher from Tauranga and frontman of The Harmonic Resonators.

Step into a world where orchestral music becomes a playground!

WHEN: Sunday, 11 October 2026, 15:00 - 16:30pm

WHERE: Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Fenton Street

TICKETS: $35 Adults, $30 Seniors, $10 Students, $75 Families (2 adults and up to 4 kids). Available at Ticketmaster (booking fees apply)

Door Sales subject to availability.

At the heart of this family concert is The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra by Jeremy Holland-Smith, with a witty, warm script by celebrated English illustrator and children’s author James Mayhew. This imaginative work, never before performed in New Zealand, introduces the instruments of the orchestra through storytelling, humour and gentle mischief, with moments of silliness and surprise, and children are encouraged to listen, laugh and lean in.

The second part of the programme continues the journey, with our narrator Jeremy guiding both orchestra and audience through a series of shorter works from around the globe creating a musical passport for curious ears. Kids (and kids at heart) will be invited to sing along, move their bodies and marvel at the virtuosity of Opus Orchestra concertmaster Lara Hall stepping into the spotlight as soloist.

True to Opus Orchestra family concert tradition, the adventure doesn’t end with the final note. Children will be invited to “storm the stage”, meet the musicians and explore the instruments up close.

We look forward to seeing you!

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