Friday 27 May 2016

NZSO receives $1.2 million funding increase in Budget 2016

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has received $1.2 million of additional annual baseline funding, announced yesterday in the 2016 Budget.

NZSO funding will increase from $13.4 million to $14.6 million from 1 July 2016, to allow the Orchestra to perform more concerts and regional tours.

“The Government recognises the importance of the arts, and this support shows our commitment to ensuring our leading cultural institutions can maintain their high level of quality and all New Zealanders can have the chance to see them,” says Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry.

“Our national orchestra took New Zealand culture to the world this year, winning a prestigious Grammy nomination for Best Orchestral Recording, and keeping company with major United States orchestras.”

NZSO Chief Executive Christopher Blake says yesterday’s Budget announcement underscores the NZSO’s vital role as one of New Zealand’s leading arts organisations and its importance to all New Zealanders.

“The NZSO is a dynamic organisation which continues to grow artistically and this extra funding ensures its high artistic standards are maintained and expanded,” says Blake.

“An important benefit of additional investment in the Orchestra is the opportunity to diversify and increase concert presentations which will allow more New Zealanders access to live music performances and attract new audiences,” he says.

The NZSO will now develop plans for increased concert tour activities and initiatives and will release details as part of its new season announcements in October.

www.nzso.co.nz

ENDS

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