NZ Music Month

Enjoy a month of music in Rotorua

Within easy reach of Auckland and Waikato, and under an hour from Taupō and Tauranga, Rotorua is just a short drive away to enjoy some fantastic Aotearoa musicians. Stay a little longer and discover geothermal wonders, rich Māori culture and unforgettable experiences for the whole family - the perfect way to turn a concert into a getaway.

AOTANGO Quintet

7 May | Sir Howard Morrison Centre

Enjoy the seamless fusion of world music and tango, in an eclectic mix of styles presented by musicians who call Aotearoa their home.

Performing in Piazzolla’s original quintet formation, A Century of Tango traverses the evolution of tango from beloved classics such as Ángel Villoldo’s El Choclo, Carlos Gardel’s Por una Cabeza, and Gerardo Matos Rodríguez’s La Cumparsita to the revolutionary nuevo tango compositions of Argentinian maestro Ástor Piazzolla.

Artists

• Andrew Beer, Violin

• Lorelle McNaughton, Piano

• Gordon Hill, Double Bass

• Sam Swindells, Guitar

• Grayson Masefield, Accordion

‘Ao’, meaning ‘world’ in te reo Māori, is at the heart of AOTANGO. Enjoy their seamless fusion of world music and tango, in an eclectic mix of styles presented by musicians who call Aotearoa their home.

Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch

10 May | Sir Howard Morrison Centre

Enjoy a relaxed cabaret-style setting, seated at tables of 10, as you indulge in brunch bites – featuring one complimentary Mother’s Day Mimosa or coffee/tea and a selection including up to 5 delicious savoury and sweet options.

Sit back and soak up the smooth, soulful sounds of the Sue Brown Quartet, joined by talented local musicians Troy Weenink, Lenny Hoskin, and AJ Moke.

A perfect way to treat Mum to great food, great company, and exceptional live jazz.

Sue Brown Quartet

Expect classic jazz standards and familiar tunes -  with a twist.

Sue Brown is a versatile jazz, soul, and contemporary pop vocalist whose style is shaped by timeless jazz influences. Sue Brown Quartet features a group of talented musicians from the Bay of Plenty: Sue Brown on vocals, Troy Weenink on keyboard, Lenny Hoskin on bass, and AJ Moke on drums, coming together to deliver an engaging performance ranging from smooth jazz to soulful, upbeat tunes.

Mataatua & Beethoven

15 May | Sir Howard Morrison Centre

With her distinctive musical voice, Whitehead tells the true story of the great wharenui Mataatua, built in Whakatāne in 1875 by Ngāti Awa. Separated from its people and carried overseas without their consent, the wharenui journeyed for many decades before finally returning home in 2011.

Exploring themes of history, identity, and return, this compelling opera is brought to life by an outstanding trio of emerging New Zealand singers: Katherine Winitana (soprano), Tomairangi Henare (baritone), and Samuel McKeever (bass), whose voices give depth and immediacy to Whitehead’s evocative score. In the opera, the singers embody different perspectives: Te Ao Māori, the Pākehā world, and the voice of the wharenui itself, giving the story a powerful dramatic focus. Presented in concert form and with the University of Waikato vocal students as chorus, the work allows audiences to focus on the power of the music and text, shaped by the expressive forces of the orchestra.

The programme is completed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the Emperor Concerto, a work of heroic scale, lyrical breadth, and triumphant spirit. Celebrated kiwi pianist Stephen De Pledge will be our soloist, bringing virtuosity and insight to this cornerstone of the concerto repertoire.

Opus Orchestra will be conducted by Peter Walls, whose musical leadership brings these two contrasting works together into a single, memorable experience.

Rock Tenors - Anthems Reloaded NZ Tour

16 May | Sir Howard Morrison Centre

The Anthems Reloaded Tour is a full-throttle celebration of the greatest rock hits of all time, delivered with theatrical firepower and vocal brilliance by five of Aotearoa’s finest.

Backed by a live, hard-hitting rock band, this is not just a concert - it’s a full-scale theatrical rock experience. Soaring harmonies, epic guitar solos, and anthems that defined generations, all reimagined with dramatic vocal flair and explosive energy.

The Anthems Reloaded Tour is set to ignite your city and pay homage to the worlds greatest rock anthems from artists such as Queen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, White Snake, KISS, TOTO, Guns'N'Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Animals, U2, Radiohead and many more.