About Us

Emeritus Professor Nicholas Tarling

Nicholas Tarling, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Auckland, was a world-renowned historian of Southeast Asia and a passionate opera lover. A regular attendee of concerts and operas in Auckland, Sydney and elsewhere, Nick shared his knowledge of musical history through talks on radio and in-person and through programme notes and international study tours. The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust provides support to those working in the two areas of his lifelong interest and commitment, the study of Southeast Asian history and music.

Manukau Symphony Orchestra

The Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a community orchestra based in South Auckland, New Zealand. The orchestra presents a series of varied concerts annually to patrons from across Auckland at the Due Drop Events Centre (formerly the Vodafone Events Centre), Manukau and Te Tuhi Art Gallery, Pakuranga. 

In 2023 with a unique mix of youth, community and professional mentor musicians the orchestra presents the MSO CONCERT Series and MSO INSPIRE programmes enhancing the lives and wellbeing of its community, thus creating ‘…a very special spirit’.

The MSO will hold the MSO CONCERTS 2023 series next year at the Due Drop Events Centre DDEC, Manukau (March/ May/September/ November). These yearly concert series are the main activity of the orchestra with a high public interest.

Next year will see the introduction of the MSO INSPIRE 2023 programme including school concerts, workshops and pre-concert talks. It is hoped that the various events of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition will form a vital part of this educational programme.

Through the orchestra’s unique Tuakana Mentorship Programme and youth scholarship initiatives, the MSO is the only symphony orchestra in South Auckland able to present a full range of genres from small ensembles to established orchestral repertoire to 21st century works at a high standard.

The Manukau Orchestral Society highly values, and thrives on the diversity that its staff, players and audiences bring to the organisation. The MSO strives to reduce discrimination and racism, and increase social inclusion for all ages, genders, the Rainbow Communities, disabilities, national origin, new migrants and any religion.

See the MSO website www.manukausymphony.org.nz for more information.