The Sparks! concert features classical music, popular tunes, and stunning fireworks in Hagley Park. If you enjoy the music, search our catalogue or music eResources to listen to your favourite pieces.
Mitre10 Sparks 2025
Sparks is on Saturday 8 February from 7.30pm to 9.40pm at North Hagley Park. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is joined byby a range of guest singers including Marley Sola – fresh from a stint on The Voice Australia - and a rising star on the local opera scene Millie Trusttum– for a mix of jazz and pop songs, operatic arias, and full orchestral pieces will keep the whole family entertained. Original compositions created by CSO Artist in Residence Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui incorporating taonga puoro (Māori traditional instruments) will also be performed.
Pre-show entertainment runs from 6.30 to 7pm, the main show runs from 7.30pm to 9.40pm, then Sparks closes with a spectacular fireworks display.
- Have a blast at Mitre10 Sparks Newsline
- Find out more
- Subscribe to the 2024 Sparks Facebook event
Sparks facts
Classical Sparks (as it was originally called) is one of only two events that have remained part of Christchurch’s SummerTimes festival since its inception in 1983. The event attracted an audience of 6,000 in 1983, but today’s crowds are in the region of 20,000 people. Classical Sparks has featured internationally renowned performers such as Hayley Westenra and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
Music from previous concerts
Saturday 15 February 2020
YES Power Sparks was on from 6.30pm to 10pm at North Hagley Park.
2020 music
Opening perfomer Paul Ubana Jones (Listen to his album I need a storm on Alexander Street)
Part One
Performances by the Christchurch Symphony Orchesta.
- Te Waipounamu featuring Te Ahikaaroa Hextall / Tuakiri / Paraone
-
Dance of the tumblers from The Snow Maiden Rimsky-Korsakov
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Blue Danube Strauss
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Morning from Peer Gynt Grieg
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Russian sailors dance - Gliere
-
Habanera from Carmen by Bizet
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Intermezzo from Cavilliera Rusticana Mascagni
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Finale from the William Tell Overture Rossini
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Salut d'amour Elgar
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Jupiter from The Planets Holst
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
Part Two
- Hoedown from Rodeo Copland
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Simplicity featuring The Orchard arr Oliver
- Theme from Jurassic Park Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Promenade Anderson
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Let it go from Frozen
-
Malambo by Ginastera
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Whiter Shade of Pale featuring Paul Ubana Jones and the Sole Music Acadeny
Fireworks Finale
-
1812 overture Tchaikovsky
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
Saturday 16 February 2019
The 2019 Sparks concert took place from 7:30pm to 10pm. Sparks pre-show entertainment started from 6pm. The Night Noodle Markets, were from 1pm on the day.
2019 music
Part One
- Little Sea Gongs Farr
- Captain Blood Overture Korngold
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Gabriel's Oboe Morricone
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Galop from Masquerade Suite Khachaturian
(Listen to it on Alexander Street or Naxos Music Library) -
Scherzo Tarantella Wieniawski
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
In the Hall of the mountain king Grieg
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Adagio from Spartacus Khachaturian
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Sabre dance Khachaturian
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Theme from Jurassic Park Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Times Square 1944 from On the Town Bernstein
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Maria from West Side Story Bernstein
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Finale from Swan Lake Tchaikovsky
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
Part Two
- From the depths sound the great sea gongs Farr
-
Game of Thrones theme Djawadi
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
March of the Toreadors from Carmen Bizet
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Like a Natural Woman King and Goffin
- She's getting away Nomad
-
Pirates of the Caribbean Zimmer
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
How far I'll go from Moana Miranda
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Raiders March Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
Fireworks Finale
-
1812 overture Tchaikovsky
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
There's just over a week to go until Sparks, so it's time to study the official programme! The Christchurch Symphony...
Posted by Christchurch City Council on Thursday, February 7, 2019
2018
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kenneth Young will perform popular pieces from In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg to the Superman March by Williams. The event will conclude with dazzling fireworks timed to fire at 9:30pm to the 1812 Overture.
First half
Opening Fanfare of Sparks
The piece has been composed especially for the occasion by CSO principal trombonist Pablo Ruiz Henao. Find out more: Bold as brass talent on show at Sparks, Newsline
-
Dance of the tumblers from The Snow Maiden Rimsky-Korsakov
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Waltz of the flowers from Nutcracker Suite Tchaikovsky
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Four seasons: Pastorale from Spring and Presto from Summer Vivaldi
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Morning from Peer Gynt Grieg
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Finale from the William Tell Overture Rossini
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Marietta's Lied from Die Tote Stadt Korngold
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
I could have danced all night (from My Fair Lady) Lerner and Loewe
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Throne Room and End title from Star Wars John Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
Second half
-
Jupiter from The Planets Holst
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Clair de lune Debussy
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
In the Hall of the mountain king Grieg
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
How far I'll go (from Moana) Lin-Manuel Miranda
Suite from Harry Potter John Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
Superman march John Williams
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) -
1812 overture Tchaikovsky
(Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
A lot of work has gone into putting together Sparks, and we can't wait for everyone to hear the amazing music of the...
Posted by What's On Christchurch on Sunday, February 11, 2018
2017
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kenneth Young performed popular pieces from Bolero to the theme music from the Magnificent Seven with appearances by Harry Grigg, Tama Waipara, Jennine Bailey and a special guest appearance by Fuzhun, the winners of the Canterbury Regional Smokefree Rockquest. The night concluded with a spectacular fireworks display to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
First Half
- Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Theme from The Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Juliette Ma
- Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind by Steiner (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- A Fleeting Fanfare by Shatford
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Polonaise from Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Tara's theme from Gone With the Wind by Steiner (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- O Del mio amato ben by Donaudy (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Harry Grigg and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Masquerade by Khachaturian (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- On The Street Where You Live by Lerner and Loewe (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Harry Grigg and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Bolero by Ravel (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Second Half
- Waltz from Suite No 2 by Shostakovich (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Suite from Casablanca by Steiner (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Caravan by Ellington (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- My Funny Valentine from Babes in Arms by Rodgers and Hart (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Tama Waipara and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- My Heart Is Crying Out by Fuzhun arr P Ruiz Henao
- Performed by Fuzhun and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Mambo Italiano by Merrill (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Alfie by Bacharach (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Jennine Bailey and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Cruise by Waipara arr P Scholes
- Performed by Tama Waipara and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Malambo by Ginastera (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Fireworks display accompanied by The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Dukas (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
2016
First Half
- Seahawk Fanfare by Korngold (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Seguidilla from Carmen by Bizet (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
-
Moon River by Mancini (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Clarinet Candy by Anderson (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Nora Groever, Monica Hoetjes, Dean Holdaway, Mark Holdaway, Edward Zhou, Chris Zhuthe and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Stormy Weather by Arlen and Koehler (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Waltz from Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Tara's theme from Gone With the Wind by Steiner (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Salut d'amore by Elgar (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Sarah McCracken and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
-
Pace Pace Mio Dio by Verdi (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Performed by Amanda Atlas and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Love theme from Romeo and Juliet by Rota (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Amanda Atlas and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Finale from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Second Half
-
Blue Danube by Strauss (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Habanera from Carmen by Bizet (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Strike Up the Band Overture by Gershwin and Rose (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
-
Summertime from Porgy and Bess by Gershwin (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library) - Performed by Jennine Bailey and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Where is the love? by Roberta Flack
- Performed by Jennine Bailey, Henare Kaa the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Let's get it on by Marvin Gaye (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Henare Kaa and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Mambo from Westside Story by Bernstein (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Fireworks display accompanied by Marche Slav by Tchaikovsky (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
2015
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Kenneth Young, presented a programme of music from the movies. Special guest appearances throughout the evening included renowned guitarist Graham Wardrop, Epic Entertainment, singer Juliet Reynolds-Midgely, and cellist Matthias Balzat.
First Half
- Fanfare for the Common Man by A. Copland (used in the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Marriage of Figaro by W. A. Mozart (Shawshank Redemption) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Zigeunerweisen by P. Sarasate (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Mathias Balzat and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Over the Rainbow by H. Arlen (The Wizard of Oz) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Juliet Reynolds-Midgely and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Finlandia by J. Sibelius (The Hunt for Red October) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Waltz for Mrs K. by I. Bolton
- Performed by Graham Wardrop and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The Sound of Music Suite by R. Rodgers and O. Hammerstein (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The Godfather Theme by N. Rota (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Excerpts from Frozen by C. Beck
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Night on Bare Mountain by M. Mussorgsky (Fantasia) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- William Tell Overture Finale by G. Rossini (The Lone Ranger, Toy Story and Clockwork Orange) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Second Half
- Dam Busters March by E. Coates (The Dam Busters) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Cavatina by S. Myers (The Deer Hunter) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by Graham Wardrop and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Pirates of the Caribbean Suite by K. Badelt and H. Zimmer (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Star Trek by A. Courage (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Ride of the Valkyries by R. Wagner (Apocalypse Now) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Infernal Galop (Can-Can) by J. Offenbach (Moulin Rouge) (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by EPIC Entertainment and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- James Bond Themes by J. Barry (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Harry Potter Suite by J. Williams (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The fireworks display was accompanied by the Superman Themes by J. Williams. (Listen to it in Naxos Music Library)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
2014
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra was joined by the Topp Twins. This concert was designed as a musical journey into outer space. Conductor Kenneth Young led the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
- Thus Spake Zarathustra (Space Odyssey 2001) Strauss
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Fair from The Gadfly Suite Shostakovich (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Overture from Cosi fan tutte Mozart (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Concerto No 4 from l'estro armonico e minor op 3 Vivaldi (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Quartet 4 J - Juliette Ma, Justin Hodges, Julia Hughes, Joshua Hooker
- Spartacus (better known as the theme to the classic British 1970s costume drama The Onedin Line) Khachaturian (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Hoedown from Rodeo Copland (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Gabriel’s Oboe Morricone (find it in Naxos)
- Adelina Orwin
- The Blue Danube (as featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey.) J. S. Strauss (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Yodelling Accordion Girl
- Topp Twins
- Thunder and lightning polka J. S. Strauss (find it in Naxos)
- Topp Twins
- Star Trek Through the Years
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The History of Music in NZ
- The Outwits
- The Cantina Band (Star Wars) John Williams (find it in Naxos)
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Honkey Tonk Angel
- Topp Twins
- Palomino Moon
- Topp Twins
- Huapango Moncayo
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Holy Cow
- Topp Twins
The big finale featured John Williams’ epic Star Wars theme as the backdrop to the fireworks display. Listen to it online with Naxos.
2013
This classical music and fireworks concert showcased a 65–piece orchestra with the NZ Army band and numerous soloists. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra took the stage from 7:30pm. As a rousing finale, the orchestra performed Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as the soundtrack to a fireworks display.
- 2001 A Space Odyssey
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Army Band
- Trumpet Voluntary Purcell
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Private Raynor Martin
- Triumphal March Elgar
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Army Band
- Dble Cello conc. G Minor RV531 Vivaldi
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Cellists
- Gareth Farr Sea Gongs part 1
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Pie Jesu
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Rachel Doig, and Treble
- Flight of the Bumble Bees
- New Zealand Army Band and Staff Sergeant Phil Johnston
- Ai Giochi Addio
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Anna Hawkins
- Journey On
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Anna Hawkins
- William Tell Overture
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Army Band
Second half
- Marriage of Figaro Overture Mozart
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Classical Gas
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Graham Wardrop
- Mahler 5th C sharp Minor
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Arban Carnival Of Venice
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Kyle Lawson
- Cinema Paradiso Overture/love theme
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Hamish Oliver
- Estancia by Ginastera 3rd Movt.
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The Prayer
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Anna Hawkins, and Robert Enari
- 1812 Overture
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Army Band
2012
First half
- Ruslan and Ludmilla overture Glinka
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves Verdi
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and City Choir
- Ave Maria Bach Gounod
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Rachel Doig
- Symphony no. 40 1st movement Mozart
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- The Swan from the Carnival of Animals Saint Saens
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and dancers
- Broken Vow Anna Hawkins
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Anna Hawkins
- Bugler’s Holiday Leroy Anderson
- Performed by the Woolston Brass Band
- Air on a G String Bach
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra/ Woolston Brass Band / Sarah Hickman
- Toreador Aria from Carmen Bizet
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Jud Arthur
- The Willow Tree
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Fiona Pears
- Sabre Dance Khachaturian
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Fiona Pears
Second half
- Also Sprach Zarathustra Strauss
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Hallelujah Chorus Handel
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Christchurch City Choir
- Che Gelida Manina from La Boheme Puccini
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Virgilio Marino
- Intermezzo from Caviliera Rusticana Mascagni
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Duet from Pearl Fishers Bizet
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with Virgilio Marino and Jud Arthur
- Cavatina Theme from Deer Hunter Stanley Myers
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Graeme Wardrop
- Hungarian Dance no. 5 Brahms
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and dancers
- Danny Boy Weatherly/Young
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Anna Hawkins
- Clair De Lune Debussy
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Russian sailors dance Gliere
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and dancers
- Ave Verum Corpus Mozart
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Christchurch City Choir
- Ride of the Valkyries Wagner/Young
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Woolston Brass Band
2011
First half
- Te Ahikaaraoa Kapa Haka
- Ride Of The Valkyries Wagner
- Performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Here’s to the heroes
- Performed by DF12 with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Army Band
- Nessun Dorma Puccini
- Performed by DF12 with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5
- Performed by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- World in Union
- Performed by Rachel Doig, Mark Hadlow, Christchurch City Choir with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Waltz of the flowers Tchaikovsky
- Performed by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with ballroom dancers
- Lacrimosa
- Performed by Christchurch City Choir with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Final Countdown
- Performed by DF12, Christchurch City Choir, Rachel Doig, New Zealand Army Band with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Second half
- Boogie Woogie
- Chant et Danse with New Zealand Army Band
- I got rhythm Gershwin
- Chant et Danse with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- There is nothing like a dame Rodgers and Hammerstein
- Chant et Danse with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Sing sing sing
- Chant et Danse with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- In the Mood Glenn Miller
- Chant et Danse with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Army Band
- Candyman
- Chant et Danse with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Carmen suite Bizet
- Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with ballroom couples
- Bohemian Rhapsody (with fireworks)
- Matthew Pike with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Christchurch City Choir
2010
NZ composer Gareth Farr’s extraordinary composition Aoraki
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Ken Young, performed and the winner of this year’s Queenstown Violin Summer School Artistic Award, Kana Ohashi, appeared with the CSO as part of her prize.
The Christchurch City Choir performed after a ten year absence
The Flower Duet from the opera Lakme (Rachel Doig and Maree Hawtin-Morrow)
Ennio Morricone’s theme Gabriel’s Oboe, from the movie The Mission (oboist Peter Dykes)
Schindler’s List (Kevin Lefohn, Artistic Administrator of the CSO)
Naomi Ferguson, one of New Zealand’s leading singer-songwriters, joined forces with Matthew Pike, fresh from recent performances in Miss Saigon, to present a vocal compilation of themes from other great movies
Pianist John-Paul Muir, winner of 2009’s National Concerto Competition, performed the Warsaw Concerto for the famous fireworks finale.
2009
Southern Opera
Showbiz Christchurch
2009’s fireworks finale was accompanied by the William Tell Overture (familiar to most people as the theme to ‘The Lone Ranger’).
2008
- Bic Runga
- Geoff Sewell from Amici Forever
- Elena (classic rock violin)
- Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
The concert concluded with Wagner’s Ride Of The Valkyries and a spectacular fireworks finale.
2007
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture was the music used for the Grand Finale with fireworks and the bells of ChristChurch Cathedral.
2006
- From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs
- Gareth Farr
- Tzigane
- Ravel
- Hungarian Dance No5
- Brahms
-
Carmen Habanera
Carmen Seguidilla - Bizet
- Wein, Weis und Gesang (Wine, women and song)
- Johann Strauss
- Carmen Fantasy
- Waxman
- Stride La Vampa Il Trovatore
- Verdi
- Czardas Die Fledermaus
- Johann Strauss
- Slavonic Dances
- Dvorak
2005
- View from Olympus
- John Psathas
- Porgy & Bess
- Gershwhin
2004
- William Tell Overture (familiar to most people as the theme to ‘The Lone Ranger’)
- Rossini
- Spartacus (better known as the theme to the classic British 1970s costume drama, ‘The Onedin Line’)
- Khachaturian
- Summer from the Four Seasons
- Vivaldi
- The Blue Danube
- J. S. Strauss
- Fanfare of the Common Man
- Copland
- Suite Number 1 from Carmen
- Bizet
- Ride of The Valkyries
- Wagner
2003
- Ride of The Valkyries
- Wagner
2000
- Light Cavalry
- Suppe
- The Stripper
- Rose
- Violin Concerto in A Minor (Movement 1)
- Vivaldi
- Conquest of Paradise
- Vangelis
- Colonel Bogey
- Alford
See more about music and music resources at Christchurch City Libraries.
