Youngsters tune up for big concert at Auckland Town Hall

Sistema Aotearoa violinist Daize Puaha, 9, practises for the concert at the Auckland Town Hall tonight. Photo / Supplied

Going to the orchestra is something usually reserved for the adults.

But a group of children from South Auckland are hoping their take on classical music attracts a new crowd - thanks to the establishment of a new youth orchestra.

Sixty youngsters aged 8 to 12 years old comprise the newly formed Rangatahi Philharmonia o Tara orchestra, which will play its first concert at the Auckland Town Hall tonight.

The children all come from schools in Otara which are within walking distance of the Otara Music and Arts Centre, where they learn how to play a classical instrument under the Sistema Aotearoa programme.

The initiative, established in 2011, offers free lessons from top classical musicians who teach pupils how to play instruments, including violin, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone and flute.

The programme is based on the idea that all children - no matter what their background - should have access to musical participation.

It also believes that learning a musical instrument helps to lift social development in low socio-economic areas.

Sistema Aotearoa programme manager Ros Giffney said many of the children in the new orchestra had been enrolled from the beginning of the programme and had been working hard towards their first concert as a group.

"The concert will be a celebration of how far the children have come in less than five years and we are looking forward to showing whanau and supporters the high level of musicianship these children have learned through Sistema Aotearoa," Ms Giffney said.

"This latest milestone reflects the high-quality tutor team, the supportive whanau and greater South Auckland community support we have received - which is critical to the ongoing success of Sistema Aotearoa."

It also believes that learning a musical instrument helps to lift social development in low socio-economic areas. Photo / Supplied

Tonight's concert - entry to which is by donation - will also help to fuel ongoing programmes for future students, with all funds raised going towards buying 90 violins and cellos for next year's intake.

Ms Giffney said: "The programme is growing at an extraordinary rate and in 2016, more than 300 children will receive tuition. Our fundraising goals will help ensure our next intake of 6-year-olds are able to learn on real instruments."

For more info and to reserve tickets, visit: apo.co.nz/sistema-aotearoa