Celebrate the future of classical music at the Dunedin Concerto Competition’s  2025 Rising Stars – Finalists' Concert, where three outstanding young soloists perform alongside two of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s finest orchestras the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and the Dunedin Youth Orchestra.

Finalists from this year’s Dunedin Concerto Competition— Portia Bell (cello), delivering the passion of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto; Ozan Biner-McGrath (piano), performing Mozart’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 20; and Roy Zhang (piano), showcasing the sparkle of Ravel’s Piano Concerto—will perform with a combined orchestra of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra, under the baton of James Judd, DSO’s Principal Guest Conductor.

The Dunedin Youth Orchestra, conducted by David Burchell takes centre stage in the first half with a vibrant and varied programme including Offenbach’s La belle Hélène Overture, Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2, Malcolm Arnold’s Little Suite No. 2, Prokofiev’s bold Montagues and Capulets, and Coates’ lively Knightsbridge March.

This is an inspiring concert full of energy, colour, and musical excellence. Whether you’re a long-time classical music fan or attending your first orchestral concert, you’ll be captivated by the skill and passion of these rising stars.