Our Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Regional Recognition
The Early Days
Tauranga has long been home to orchestral music. The very first recital by the Tauranga Orchestral Society was held in 1947, led by conductor Stuart Petersen. The concert featured bass soloist David Clark performing operatic pieces alongside ambitious orchestral works. A few treasured photographs from that era still reside in the Tauranga City Library archives.
Over the years, the orchestra experienced its share of ups and downs. By 1975, a passionate group of musicians—who had been meeting informally since the 1960s—decided it was time to revive a true community orchestra. Thus, the Tauranga Concert Orchestra Society was born. A Management Board was formed, a constitution registered, and the dream of a vibrant local orchestra began to take shape. Remarkably, some of those founding members still play with us today.
A Turning Point
Around 1990, the orchestra faced a difficult period, losing both its conductor and several key players. But in 1996, a new chapter began when Warwick Braithwaite took the baton. His energy and vision reignited the orchestra’s spirit.
Warwick wasn’t afraid to try new things—whether it was performing under a tree at a garden party, playing at the Te Puke Club, or taking the orchestra on tour across the Western Bay of Plenty. From Katikati to Whakatane, we brought music to communities far and wide, even performing a riverside charity concert that wrapped up just before the rain poured down!
Growth and Expansion
With Warwick’s guidance, our skills and numbers steadily grew. He selected music that suited our ensemble and helped us explore more of the classical repertoire. Young local musicians began to shine as soloists, and the orchestra became a nurturing ground for emerging talent.
In 1999, we launched our first Proms concert at Baycourt, drawing larger audiences and marking a new era of growth. For three years, we had the privilege of working with Nicholas Braithwaite—Warwick’s cousin and a seasoned conductor from London. His mentorship elevated our performances and enriched our management team with invaluable insights.
Guest conductors and tutors from the Auckland Philharmonia also joined us, expanding our repertoire and deepening our expertise.
A New Identity
When Warwick retired in 2005, the orchestra had grown beyond Tauranga. To reflect our wider reach, we rebranded as Bay of Plenty Symphonia.
In 2014, we updated our constitution, shifting management responsibilities to a dedicated Committee. Today, our orchestra is powered by passionate non-professional musicians who juggle busy lives while contributing both musically and behind the scenes—alongside a few committed non-playing members.
Looking Ahead
In recent years, we’ve flourished under the leadership of music directors like Mal Brady, Grant Langdon, and Justus Rozemond, as well as several guest conductors. With Justus’s appointment in 2012, our repertoire grew more ambitious and exciting, and our musical achievements reached new heights.
The year 2024 ushered in another exciting phase for the Symphonia. After Justus Rozemond stepped down, we embraced a season of fresh perspectives by welcoming a series of talented guest conductors. This dynamic approach has brought renewed energy and variety to our performances, allowing us to explore a broader range of musical styles and interpretations. Each conductor has offered unique insights and challenges, helping our musicians grow individually and as an ensemble.