← BACK
Opus Orchestra presents Beethoven Unwrapped
Sun
26 Jul
2026
Let Opus Orchestra take you on a journey of discovery into one of the real gems of Beethoven’s works. With guest conductor Michael Joel as your musical guide, Beethoven Unwrapped! invites audiences to experience Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in a way they’ve never heard before.
In a new concept developed by Opus Orchestra in 2025, Michael and the orchestra will “unwrap” the music in the first half of the concert—bringing out key themes, rhythms, and harmonies, and sharing insights into Beethoven’s ideas and emotions through the music itself. This is not a lecture, but an invitation: an open, playful, and informal way to get closer to Beethoven’s genius. After a break with the chance to chat to the musicians, the orchestra returns to perform the entire symphony in full. With new understanding and familiarity, the second half becomes an unforgettable listening experience.
Known for his energy and ability to connect with audiences, Hamilton-based conductor Michael Joel has stood on the Opus Orchestra podium twice before in much-loved performances of Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits and Carnival of the Animals. He has also been leading the orchestra’s community outreach work to local libraries for 2 years. Michael is passionate about making orchestral music accessible, exciting and fun for all.
Whether you’re stepping into an orchestral concert for the very first time or you’re a lifelong Beethoven fan, Beethoven Unwrapped! is designed to welcome everyone.
Location
St Peter's in the City
Event Dates
July 26, 2026
at
3:00 pm
Expo
HobbyCon comes to Tauranga! HobbyCon brings collectors, players, vendors, and hobby enthusiasts together for a huge day of buying, selling, trading, and connecting with the community. Explore a packed show floor featuring trading cards, sports cards, collectibles, and plenty of hidden finds.
28 Aug
Activity
BreastFriend, the Tauranga-founded brand behind The Breasties wearable breast pump, has partnered with The Lab — NZ's flagship hybrid training facility — to gift local new mums a free MUM CLUB session. The initiative is founder-led: BreastFriend's Marie-Claire Houtsmuller built the brand after struggling to find adequate pumps or support as a first-time, exclusively pumping mother. She was also in need of a village, and this is what this is. MUM CLUB is a baby-friendly training session designed to give new parents a rare hour to move, connect, and recharge — babies and prams welcome, no cost to attend. Quote from Marie-Claire Houtsmuller, Founder, BreastFriend NZ:
28 Jul
Activity
BayActive has plenty of fun lined up to keep your preschool children aged 0–5 years active and entertained with Tumble Time at The University of Waikato Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre! Have fun with moon hoppers, scooters, trikes, bikes, balls, balancing and gymnastic equipment, mega blocks, Little Tikes cars and much more. Tumble Time is designed to develop children's physical skills of balance, co-ordination, climbing, agility and fine motor skills. As this is a group environment, children also have the chance to develop their social skills as well as being a fantastic opportunity for parents to meet new friends too! No booking is required. Lock in the date and come along with your little one to get socialising at this fun and stimulating preschool playgroup!
26 Jul
-
1 Sep
Exhibition
The 2026 New Zealand Mountain Film Festival was held in Wanaka and Queenstown from 18-23 June. A selection of top films will be selected to showcase the best of the best, featuring films from New Zealand and around the world. This September the festival will be screened at Tauranga Boys College. The night promises to have a mix of action-packed excitement, high drama, and inspiration for your own next great adventure.
5 Sep
