Performers and Guest Artists for Gift of Christmas Concert

Hawke’s Bay Orchestra

The Hawke’s Bay Orchestra is a cultural jewel in our community, each year performing a series of concerts featuring leading soloists and challenging, imaginative repertoire. Formed in 1975, the orchestra has evolved and developed into a dynamic ensemble and leading regional orchestra in New Zealand. 


Born to Move Dance Studio

Born To Move is a Hawke’s Bay based Dance Studio directed by Corinne Bowey. They cater for ages 5 to Adults, and currently have approximately 200 students. They offer Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Technical Ballet, and also specialise in Performance. 

Mary Kippenberger 

Mary Kippenberger is a children’s writer and storyteller. Born in Lower Hutt, she is best known for her storybooks and tapes and popular performances for children. Since 1991 she has worked as an actor, and since 1994 as a storyteller, often performing with her husband Peter 

Orchestrate and OIT

The Hawke's Bay Orchestra’s Young Artist Programme or-ches-trate!! is a natural progression of the vision they share in educating and enriching the lives of Hawke's Bay youth. The emphasis of or-ches-trate!! is in training the young musicians to become experienced ensemble musicians

Paula Sugden – Cello

Paula has been playing the cello since she was 11yrs old and was taught by Alison Hanson. She later gained a Bachelor of Music in Performance Cello from Victoria University. Paula often plays as the guest lead cellist for the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra and other small ensembles as well as juggling 2 children, a busy home life and career.

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