David Kay

Born in Palmerston North and now based in Auckland, David Kay is a versatile conductor and horn player, regularly appearing with all of New Zealand’s major orchestras. Since 2008 he has served as Sub-Principal Horn with the Auckland Philharmonia, while also building a dynamic career on the podium.

David studied French horn at the University of Auckland, completing his Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2006, before receiving a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for postgraduate orchestral training under Hugh Seenan, Richard Bissill, and Jonathan Lipton. His conducting studies include training at both the University of Auckland and Guildhall School with Sian Edwards, and he was an active participant in the Symphony Services International Conducting Program (2010–2015), working with conductors such as Christopher Seaman, Marko Letonja, and Johannes Fritzsch.

Since his conducting debut with the Auckland Philharmonia in 2009, David has become a sought-after guest conductor across a wide range of projects. His work has included collaborations with New Zealand artists Neil Finn, Bic Runga, Don McGlashan, Sol3 Mio, Marlon Williams, TEEKS, and Tami Neilson and as well as large-scale outdoor events such as Christchurch’s Sparks Celebrations since 2020, Nelson Opera in the Park, and the Christchurch Theatre Royal Anniversary Concert. He has led performances for the Auckland Arts Festival, APO Does Disco, the Aretha Franklin Tribute, and Matariki celebrations with Troy Kingi, Ria Hall, Rob Ruha and Che Fu. His extensive experience with live film-in-concert presentations includes BBC Earth II, Blue Planet II, Home Alone, The Princess Bride, The Lion King, Toy Story, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hocus Pocus, and Love Actually.

David is also one of the musical directors of North Shore Youth Music, a community music program on the North Shore, and a leading horn teacher at many local high schools. His passion for music in young people has enhanced his reputation as a sought after leader of workshops and masterclasses throughout the country.

You can see David Kay live with the Auckland Philharmonia on Friday 18 December and Saturday 19 December at Christmas Cheer.