NEW ZEALAND’S BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

NEW ZEALAND’S BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

2024

Concerts

We look forward to performing our Baby Baroque Free Kids' concerts on Friday 19th July at New Lynn Community Centre and Sat 20th July at Te Manawa, Massey, West Auckland.

What is a Baby Baroque Concert?

Experience the enchantment of our Baby Baroque Concerts, thoughtfully crafted to introduce the world of baroque music to young tamariki aged 0 to 6 years. Immerse your little ones in the beauty of classical sounds through a delightful and interactive journey that promises both fun and dynamism. Join us for a musical adventure designed to captivate young hearts and minds, fostering a love for baroque melodies with plenty of opportunities for audience participation.  

We hope there will be more concerts just like this in the future. My daughter was particularly inspired and is currently learning the violin

Thank you for a wonderful concert yesterday – My son was in such a buzzy mood all afternoon thanks to the great music and open atmosphere. It would be great to see NZ Barok do this again.

As an early childhood music educator and researcher, I was very impressed by how well the concert was tailored towards preschool children…It is not easy to get concerts for pre-schoolers ‘right’, but you all did a fabulous job. Bravo!” Ngā mihi mahana, Dr Bronya Dean, Lecturer, Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, The University of Waikato

Meet the creative minds behind Baby Baroque:

Helen Brinkman, a cellist and producer, collaboratively worked with violinist Catherine Polglase to give life to the innovative Baby Baroque concept. Catherine, serving as the writer, music selector, and narrator, has been instrumental in the success of NZ Barok’s acclaimed Baby Baroque Free Kids’ Concerts. In 2021, the talented violinist Amelia Giles joined the team as a narrator, enhancing the dynamic storytelling experience.

Both Helen and Catherine bring a wealth of experience, having been actively involved in Playcentre Aotearoa and “SPACE for you and your baby.” Catherine, in particular, served as the Waikato Regional Manager for SPACE and conducts Suzuki Early Childhood Education music classes in her Hamilton-based music studio.

In 2019, Whina Te Whiu became an integral part of NZ Barok as the Pou Tikanga Māori – Māori Cultural Adviser. Whina’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the Baby Baroque concerts offer a rich bi-cultural experience. This dedicated team combines musical expertise, early childhood education experience, and cultural advisory support to create an immersive and culturally enriched musical journey for the youngest members of our audience.

Catherine Polglase, Whina Te Whiu, Helen Brinkman

NZ Barok would like to thank the following sponsors
for their support of the 2023 concerts

Te Manawa, Massey
  • Auckland Council Regional Arts and Culture
  • Auckland Council Creative Communities NZ
  • The Trusts Community Foundation
  • Te Manawa, Massey, West Auckland
  • Dame Jenny Gibbs
  • The Athena Trust
  • The Sutton Family and NZ Barok supporters
Te Tuhi, Pakuranga
  • Auckland Council Regional Arts and Culture
  • Auckland Council Creative Communities NZ
  • Howick Local Board
  • Te Tuhi Arts Centre, Pakuranga, East Auckland
  • Dame Jenny Gibbs
  • The Athena Trust
  • The Sutton Family and NZ Barok supporters

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