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The Christchurch Symphony orchestra has its origins in the Christchurch Civic Orchestra which was established in 1961 based on a proposal by John Ritchie. In 1975 there was a split in the Foundation which administered the Civic Orchestra and this led to the formation of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Incorporated.
Mr Jan van den Berg (ex Melbourne Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic) is the orchestra's Concertmaster. Another 34 players are engaged on a retained basis. Most of the other 80 players are part time professionals, who are independently contracted to the CS on an engagement by engagement basis
Around 75 players are used for each concert which typically involves 4-5 evening/weekend rehearsals and a Saturday night performance in the Town Hall Auditorium which has a capacity of 2300.
The CS appointed Marc Taddei as its Music Director in late 2001 and Sir William Southgate is the orchestra's Conductor Laureate. Most other Guest Conductors are engaged from Australia, and New Zealand. A combination of New Zealand and international soloists are used.
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