We have our sights set on a raft of cultural experiences over the coming months. From musical performances to captivating theatre, world-class comedy and more, these are the events you don’t want to miss.
New Zealand Opera presents Le comte Ory by Rossini
When: Thursday 30th May — Saturday 29th June, various locations across Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
Tickets: book here
An enrapturing blend of the silly and sublime, Le comte Ory’s music is brimming with Rossini’s trademark pizzazz, given a contemporary (and very Kiwi) slant, with staging by acclaimed Director Simon Phillips and Designer Tracy Grant Lord that breathes new life into the work. Starring a local and international cast, this crazy comedy of disguise, seduction and chaos, sung in French and surtitled, is a performance not to be missed.
Kāryn Taylor at Sanderson Contemporary
When: Monday 10th June — Sunday 7th July
Tickets: free entry
Respected artist Kāryn Taylor’s exhibition at Sanderson Contemporary this June, further explores the intersection of light and space. The solo show will continue the evolution of the artist’s self-illuminating lightboxes, further pushing the limitations of this material. Through new colour combinations, more complex imagery, and the integration of more shadow-based lines that speak to traditional drawing, alongside a prevailing minimalist aesthetic, the exhibition will offer a fresh take on Taylor’s much-loved work.
Red, White and Brass at ASB Waterfront Theatre
When: Tuesday June 18th — Saturday July 6th, ASB Waterfront Theatre
Tickets: book here
Adapted from the hit film, this (true) story is a hilarious and hearty crowd-pleaser, bringing to the stage the tale of a rugby superfan who will do whatever it takes to score tickets for the most important game of his life — the Tonga versus France Rugby World Cup game. Reprising his film role, John-Paul Foliaki dazzles as Maka in this heartwarming, hilarious story of friendship, family and fearlessly standing up for what you believe in.
Brooke Fraser with The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
When: Saturday 22nd June, Spark Arena
Tickets: book here
Brooke Fraser, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, is returning to the stage at Spark Arena this June, performing a one-night-only concert with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Bringing a new expression to her work, the soulful show will feature a mix of hits from her solo albums and new works crafted for the seventy-piece orchestra performing with her, in a performance sure to be filled with memorable moments.
Lany at Auckland Town Hall
When: Sunday 30th June, Auckland Town Hall
Tickets: book here
Multi-platinum pop rock band Lany is set to enamour crowds at the Auckland Town Hall this winter, bringing their synth-sheened anthems of love and heartbreak to our shores in celebration of their recently released fifth studio album, A Beautiful Blur.
Vishmi Helaratne at Föenander Galleries
When: on now until June 26th, Föenander Galleries
Tickets: free entry
Föenander Galleries, Mt Eden-based for the last six years, has recently relocated to a stunning new space on Faraday Street in Parnell. The new gallery location opens with an exhibition by progressive artist, Vishmi Helaratne, as they present their body of work entitled ‘Holy Crops’ — an intimate series of sculptural paintings that gives form to their fluid ambiguity and forecasts a sense of freedom while exploring their intense obsession with colour theory and investigation of external and internal matter.
RELICS: A New World Rises at Auckland Museum
When: on now until 13th October, Auckland Museum
Tickets: book here
Take the kids to experience the world of Lego like never before in this immersive new exhibition created by Australian Lego Masters Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler. Amongst the ‘relics’ you’ll see a grandfather clock that’s been turned into a time machine, a cryonics facility nestled inside a vintage refrigerator keeping minifigures on ice, and a retro arcade with airlocks and elevators that connect a series of gaming machines to form a futuristic spaceport… and much more — offering an intriguing escape.
