Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) plans to move into the Auckland Town Hall, the first major step towards a long-term plan of a new, permanent, purpose-built facility in the Aotea Quarter.
The APO officially moves into the premises on 9 February, bringing under one roof the administration and musicians of Auckland’s professional full-time orchestra. The orchestra’s administration will occupy the space left vacant by Auckland Council on level one, with a ticketing office located on the lower ground floor of Auckland Town Hall.
Auckland Town Hall already serves as the performing home of the orchestra, and the move comes after months of discussions with Auckland Council and Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), the umbrella organisation for Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Conventions, Auckland Live, Auckland Stadiums and Auckland Zoo.
“This has been a shared long-term vision between APO, RFA and Auckland Live, the performing arts and entertainment arm of RFA,” says Barbara Glaser, APO Chief Executive.
“The move of our administration team into Auckland Town Hall will open up a lot of opportunities for the APO. It will strengthen our accessibility to our audiences and supporters, as well as increase the potential for future collaborations with other arts organisations,” she adds.
The announcement supports Auckland Council’s proposed initiative to redevelop Aotea Quarter into a vibrant entertainment and cultural hub.
“The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s exciting move into its very fitting new home at Auckland Town Hall is something Auckland should celebrate,” says Auckland Mayor Len Brown. “Having the orchestra and administration team finally together in one place is an exciting first step towards a permanent home in the Aotea Quarter which is set to become this city’s arts and culture heart.”
Chris Brooks, Chief Executive of RFA, agrees. “RFA has had a long and valuable association with the APO and this move will mean we are physically much closer and able to work together more effectively. Aotea Quarter is one of the major creative hubs of Auckland and we look forward to welcoming them here.”
A dedication ceremony on 2 February by Te Waka Angamua, Auckland Council’s Maori Relations representatives, officially welcomed the APO to its new home.
APO subscribers will now be able to book and collect tickets from the new ticketing office located on the lower ground floor of Auckland Town Hall, accessible from the Aotea Square side of the building.
Office phone numbers including the number for the ticketing office remain the same (09 623 1052).
