Virtuoso Strings  Te Paemanu Korihi

The Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust runs the Virtuoso Strings Music Academy, the multicultural Porirua Youth Orchestra, and a chamber music programme in Porirua. These music programmes build young people’s skills, confidence, and self‑esteem. Most importantly, they create pathways to help them realise their dreams.

Virtuoso Strings Music Academy – We offer full and partial scholarships for school-aged tamariki and rangatahi to receive after-school tuition in stringed instruments at our Kenepuru studios. Students are supported on their pathway to becoming members of the Porirua Youth Orchestra.

Porirua Youth Orchestra– The orchestra is open to youth aged 26 years and under, who are approximately Grade 2 and up on any string, brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. Entry is by audition. Members rehearse regularly for concerts, functions, and events throughout the year across the greater Wellington region. Junior members of the orchestra rehearse independently of the senior, more experienced members of the orchestra. Music is arranged and composed by our Director of Music, Craig Utting.

Chamber Music Programme - Selected school-aged members of the Porirua Youth Orchestra receive intensive chamber music coaching and take part in the annual NZCT Chamber Music Contest. Virtuoso Strings chamber groups have won multiple national awards over the years.

University Pathways – We are proud to offer senior students heading into full-time university study, the opportunity to apply for the BCF Gateway Scholarship, providing significant financial support over three years.

Interested in joining?  Email us at: contact@virtuosostrings.org.nz