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ABOUT THE TWSO
Musical Director
Rupert D’Cruze was appointed Musical Director of the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra in 2008. Following conducting studies in London at the Royal Academy of Music, he achieved success in international conducting competitions in both Japan and Hungary, which led to large number of engagements in Europe including the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, South German Radio Symphony Orchestra, North Hungarian Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy.
He was Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra during the 1990’s, and also Musical Director of the Portsmouth Festival Choir. His work as a guest conductor in New Zealand includes the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Manukau City Symphony Orchestra and the St. Matthews Chamber Orchestra.
History
The Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra can trace its roots back over 60 years, with its initial foundation in 1945, and is thus one of the longest established orchestras in NZ. The membership of some 60 musicians comprises amateur players, music students and instrumental music teachers, all drawn from Hamilton and the Waikato, and encompasses a wide age range.
Our Aim
As a community based orchestra the principal aims of TWSO are to advance education, public understanding and appreciation of the arts through the promotion of and participation in concerts, workshops, musical performances and composition. The Orchestra encourages and fosters musical activities in all forms in the community, provides an excellent opportunity for players at all levels to gain valuable experience and consistently brings high standards of performance to the public of the Waikato and beyond. It regularly performs in both Hamilton and Rotorua, and as well as promoting its own concerts provides orchestras for other organisations and has performed at Maori celebrations.
The Orchestra employs a professional Manager and a Musical Director, who work with an elected Committee drawn from the playing membership. The TWSO is grateful for the generous sponsorship it receives from Trust Waikato, local businesses, other sponsors and patrons, without which it could not continue to achieve its aims.
