Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026
Specific Mondays
Time
1.10PM – 1.50PM
Venue: Great Hall, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Bouelvard
Discover a collection of musical gems - bite-size lunchtime concerts in the magnificent Great Hall, featuring renowned musicians from classical, jazz, and popular traditions.
Experience the brilliance of the Lumière Trio, Toi Toi Opera, Darren Pickering Quartet, All Girl Big Band, Sacha Vee, and so much more.
How do I get tickets?
In advance
Book your tickets online. Scroll down and select the concert you wish to attend and click on 'Find out more' to book your ticket.
On the day
Purchase tickets at the Great Hall entrance from midday on the day of the concert if not sold out prior.
Reserving Seats
Purchasing a ticket to a Great Hall lunchtime concert guarantees you a seat to watch the performance. If you have a specific seat you prefer, please come early to reserve that seat. There is no formal reserve seating process, concerts are by general admission. Enquiries to concertsforchristchurch@gmail.com
Become a member of the Friends
Become a member of the Concerts for Christchurch Friends or Friends of the Arts Centre to receive special $15 tickets.
Artists, venues and dates are subject to change.
Concerts
Performances take place in the Great Hall of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre from 1.10-1.50pm on the following dates:
A Rainey Day
Monday 16 February 2026 Great Hall
Tom Rainey, whānau and friends launch the 2026 Lunchtime Concert Series with jazz standards and other favourite melodies.
Find out more
Fiona Pears Quartet
Monday 23 February 2026 Great Hall
The quartet deliver waltzes for your lunchtime menu. From subtle variations to the fiery tango, toes will be tapping. Find out more
Flavio Villani (piano)
Monday 2 March 2026 Great Hall
Auckland-based Italian pianist Villani has an established international classical career and recently finished a doctorate. Take this chance to enjoy one of his expressive, intimate live performances. Find out more
Toi Toi Opera
Monday 16 March 2026 Great Hall
Ōtautahi's own Toi Toi Opera, the exciting and innovative pint-sized professional opera company, will perform some of opera's best-loved pieces. Find out more
Tiger Moth
Monday 23 March 2026 Great Hall
The seven jazz aviators return to (circum)navigate tunes that spotlight the band's tight rhythms, its powerhouse horn section, and Kate Taylor's soaring vocals. Find out more
Lumière Trio (flute, flute/piccolo, piano)
Monday 30 March 2026 Great Hall
Enjoy the beauty and versatility of this ensemble, with flavours of Germany, Hungary, Britain, France, and Japan. Find out more
Justine Cormack (violin) and Sarah Watkins (piano)
Monday 4 May 2026 Great Hall
A rare duo performance by two founding members of the iconic NZTrio. Raised in, nurtured, and inspired by Aotearoa, both Justine and Sarah have established formidable careers in music in New Zealand. Find out more
Darren Pickering Quartet (guitar, piano, bass, drums)
Monday 11 May 2026 Great Hall
UK Vibe jazz review site called them 'Stunningly original and gloriously ethereal.' Experience the Small Worlds jazz project live.
Find out more
Helen Webby Up Close (harp)
Monday 18 May 2026 Great Hall
Magical harp solos to transport you into midwinter, featuring joyful works by CPE Bach, Fauré, Debussy, and passionate Glinka. Find out more
AGGB - All Girl Big Band
Monday 1 June 2026 (King's Birthday) Great Hall
AGBB will perform jazz and swing tunes you know and love, under the superb direction of Lana Law. Prepare to be blown away! Find out more
Mark Hobson Collective
Monday 8 June 2026 Great Hall
Never predictable, always classy. Expect saxophones, rhythm, other instruments, and a variety of musical genres. Find out more
Lixin Zhang (piano)
Monday 22 June 2026 Great Hall
Pianist Lixin Zhang is currently completing his masters studies at Yale. Concerts for Christchurch first programmed this young Christchurch musician 15 years ago! Find out more
Ali Harper (voice)
Monday 29 June 2026 Great Hall
Enjoy a lunchtime filled with jazz standards, musical theatre, and other treats. Always a favourite, up close and personal. Find out more
Yulia (voice)
Monday 27 July 2026 Great Hall
Alongside Tom Rainey (piano) and Mike Story (bass), Yulia will perform beautiful, lilting melodies to fill your Monday lunchtime with joy. Find out more
A Blue Note, by Sacha Vee (voice)
Monday 10 August 2026 Great Hall
Internationally acclaimed neo-soul artist Sacha Vee brings her signature velvet tone and magnetic stage presence in tribute to the iconic Blue Note Records. Find out more
Korimako Trio (piano, cello, violin)
Monday 17 August 2026 Great Hall
Discover this fresh trio comprising Michael Endres, Ralph Gjelsten, and Helene Pohl, all renowned for their intelligent, sparkling playing. Find out more
Dolfin-Lin Duo (cello, piano)
Monday 14 September 2026 Great Hall
Brilliant Hungarian cellist Balázs Dolfin and Chinese–New Zealand pianist Tony Chen Lin will share favourite pieces from their recent Chamber Music New Zealand tour.
Find out more
David McGregor (clarinet) and Sarah Watkins (piano)
Monday 21 September 2026 Great Hall
Enjoy works by Saint-Saëns, Finzi, Debussy, and Bernstein performed by dynamic clarinettist David McGregor, alongside the superb Sarah Watkins. Find out more
River City Jazzmen
Monday 28 September 2026 Great Hall
River City Jazzmen make a welcome return to the Christchurch scene with their bright and dynamic playing, well-crafted arrangements, and tight ensemble work. Find out more
Karlsruhe Konzert Duo (cello, piano)
Monday 2 November 2026 Great Hall
Known for their outstanding technique and imaginative programming, the award-winning German duo received standing ovations on their last tour of New Zealand. Find out more
Jennine Bailey (voice) and Tom Rainey (piano)
Monday 30 November 2026 Great Hall
Two of Christchurch's favourite musicians share some of their favourite melodies. Find out more
Symposium Dectet
Monday 7 December 2026 Great Hall
Join this ten-piece jazz ensemble for an unashamedly jazzy celebration of all things Christmas. Guaranteed to get you in a festive mood. Find out more
Other Events You Might Like
Symposium Dectet
Monday 7 December 2026 Great Hall
Join this ten-piece jazz ensemble for an unashamedly jazzy celebration of all things Christmas. Guaranteed to get you in a festive mood.
Jennine Bailey (voice) and Tom Rainey (piano)
Monday 30 November 2026 Great Hall
Two of Christchurch's favourite musicians share some of their favourite melodies.
Karlsruhe Konzert Duo (cello, piano)
Monday 2 November 2026 Great Hall
Known for their outstanding technique and imaginative programming, the award-winning German duo received standing ovations on their last tour of New Zealand.
Symposium Dectet
Monday 7 December 2026 Great Hall
Join this ten-piece jazz ensemble for an unashamedly jazzy celebration of all things Christmas. Guaranteed to get you in a festive mood.
Jennine Bailey (voice) and Tom Rainey (piano)
Monday 30 November 2026 Great Hall
Two of Christchurch's favourite musicians share some of their favourite melodies.
Karlsruhe Konzert Duo (cello, piano)
Monday 2 November 2026 Great Hall
Known for their outstanding technique and imaginative programming, the award-winning German duo received standing ovations on their last tour of New Zealand.