Play with Us

DSO Academy

Patrons: Carol and Trevor Kempton

Established in 2005, the DSO Academy is proving popular with Dunedin’s younger players as it provides crucial opportunities to learn how to rehearse and perform as an orchestra member - as well as introducing the joy of playing in an orchestra.

The Academy musicians meet once a week during the second and third school terms, and present a concert of their work at the end of Term 3. This is for players Grade 3 and above, aged about 7+. The Director for 2026 is Ellen Walters, assisted by Ella George.

Some feedback from our 2025 participants:

"The sound of all the instruments together creating beautiful music".

"The harmonies and working together to make some cool music".

"Learning how to play more on the cello and being part of an orchestra and listening and knowing how to play as part of a group".

Enquire more about DSO Academy

Play with the Orchestra

Play with the Orchestra is an opportunity for students and community musicians (of Grade 6 level or higher) to play alongside DSO players, in a workshop setting conducted by one of our guest conductors and playing music from our concert series.

The Play with the Orchestra event occurs once a year. In 2026, it will be on Sunday, 2 August. Registration details will follow later.

Some feedback from our 2025 participants:

'I loved all of it! Especially the feeling of being in an experienced orchestra and playing difficult music'

'Sightreading fun music'

'Really enjoyed "Giving it a go" with the DSO players that could hold it together and also to give something to aspire to'.

'The professional conducting, it was awesome! but also hearing the really great players on their instruments'.

For more enquiries click here