The Piano Presents

Christopher's Classics 2026

Beautiful chamber music in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch
Christopher's Classics 2026 Season
29 March - 5 November 2026
7:00pm & 7:30pm start (season dependent)
Square 4_Elouan Quartet

International Artistry. Locally Celebrated.

Ōtautahi Christchurch’s music scene is positively brimming with exceptional concerts and world-class artists - and we’re delighted to share our 2026 Season with you, celebrating our Kiwi musicians alongside international guests with deep connections to our city and country. For 31 years Christopher’s Classics has been delighting chamber music lovers with thrilling and intimate musical experiences. From the humble-house-concert beginnings in Ohoka, enlivening post-quake Christchurch, to presenting some of New Zealand’s most exciting artists - you’ve been on the journey with us. Your passionate and unequivocal support of Christopher’s Classics has ensured our series thrives, and enables our fabulous artists to present great music for you and our city - thank you, we couldn’t do this without you.

Marcus Norman
Director | The Piano

Doris Barnard & Mark Hickman
Organisers | Christopher’s Classics

Ticket & Concert Information

All tickets are available online at Eventfinda. Door sales are subject to availability. We accept Eftpos only, and add $5 for all door sales. Book advance online to secure the best ticket price.

Full Price $40
Student (ID) $10
School age Free

Start Times

7.30pm for all concerts in March-April & September-November 7.00pm for all concerts in May-August.

All concerts are proudly presented in the Philip Carter Family Concert Hall. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the concert commences.

Accessible Seating

Our concerts are general admission, if you require wheelchair and companion seating, step-free access to your seat, or have any other specific access needs please get in touch with the friendly team at The Piano on the details below to make arrangements.

Visit our accessibility page for more information on the accessibility features The Piano.

E. events@thepiano.nz
T. 03 377 5000

Christopher's Classics 2026 Season
Square 1_Amici Ensemble_Updated 20.02.26
Absolutely Bold and Brilliant - Amici Ensemble with Simon Brew
29 March 2026
7:30 - 9:30pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 2_Lumen Ensemble
Colours of Time - Lumen Ensemble
17 April 2026
7:30 - 9:30pm (pre concert talk from 6:40 - 7:10pm)
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 3_Czech Connections
Czech Connections - Josef Špaček and Friends
27 May 2026
7:00 - 9:00pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 4_Elouan Quartet
Folk Tales and Folk Tunes - The Elouan Quartet with Bridget Douglas
25 June 2026
7:00 - 9:00pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 5_Southern Baroque
Baroque Horizons - Southern Baroque Ensemble
16 July 2026
7:00 - 9:00pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 6_NZSQ
Chapter Two - New Zealand String Quartet with Ariana Tikao
17 September 2026
7:30 - 9:30pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 7_Wind Masterworks
Wind Masterworks - NZ's Finest Wind Players with Liam Wooding
22 October 2026
7:30 - 9:30pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more
Square 8_NZTrio
Reverie - NZTrio
05 November 2026
7:30 - 9:30pm
Admission: $10-$40
The Philip Carter Family Concert Hall
Learn more

Ngā Mihi Nui, Thank You To Our Supporters

We thank the Elizabeth Ball Charitable Trust and private donors, whose patronage and sponsorship grants make these concerts possible.

We warmly welcome donations with your subscription or ticket purchase to enable the beautiful music to continue.

The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts is a registered charity. All donations over $5 are tax deductible.

The Gift that Keeps On Giving

We rely entirely on your support, and appreciate your attendance at concerts – why not introduce a friend or family member to the brilliance and intimacy of chamber music?

Consider gifting a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy chamber music in Christchurch as both an audience member and artist. Christopher’s Classics plays an important role in providing a regular professional platform for some of the country’s finest musicians – will you help us secure the future of classical music in Aotearoa New Zealand?

If you’re considering leaving a gift, or would like to discuss options, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with Marcus Norman, Director of The Piano, for a confidential conversation.

E. marcus@thepiano.nz
P. 03 377 5000

Interested in performing in Christopher’s Classics Chamber Music Series?

Each year we warmly invite professional ensembles to submit expressions of interest to perform in our chamber music series.

Expressions of interest for our 2027 Season are now open.

Please get in touch with Marcus Norman to discuss programme proposals marcus@thepiano.nz

We wish to recognise Christopher's immense contribution to chamber music in Canterbury and his support of New Zealand musicians.
Therefore, ensembles should either be resident in New Zealand, or have a member that has a strong connection to New Zealand.

Programme submissions should include the following:

A range of programme options (Duration approximately 2 x 30-35 minute halves)
A short marketing blurb about the programme and group, explaining its musical concept and relevance to Christchurch audiences.
A CV of the ensemble and its members.
Links to recordings (live performances and/or CDs) and reviews of the ensemble.
Indicative dates/time periods when the ensemble is available to give a concert.

Get in touch

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