After years of being an audience member and Auckland Philharmonia supporter, Delysse Glynn answered the call to deepen her relationship with the orchestra by joining the Auckland Philharmonia Friends Committee. Last year, she became President of the Friends Committee.
Delysse shares with us her thoughts on the benefits of an Auckland Philharmonia Friends membership, the new Friends+ offering, and why she is excited to introduce more people to the tight knit community that supports the orchestra.
“Auckland Philharmonia Friends, or simply ‘Friends’ as we often refer to it, is for everyone. We’re a large inclusive community who care for each other and share a passion for the orchestra. The Friends have supported the orchestra for over 40 years, offering an opportunity for greater connection with the music and musicians,” Delysse says.
Joining Friends also gives you the special opportunity to support the orchestra’s musicians.
Delysse further explains, “At the heart of the organisation is manaakitanga – offering kindness and support for the musicians who are at the core of the music we love.
“We usher, help with programme sales, assist with appeals, organise buses to concerts and contribute a weekly delivery of home-made supper to the musicians at every mainstage concert. Having a backstage pass to the green room each week is something I love, and because of my involvement in the Friends, I now know all the musicians personally.”
In February, Auckland Phil launched Friends+, a new membership initiative that gets you even closer to the talented musicians of the orchestra.
“I’m very excited about 2024’s expansion of the Friends membership with Friends+. Already a $50 annual Friends membership provides the benefit of entry to the Supper Room at concert intervals, as well as invitations to monthly Meet The Artist (MTA) events in Ellerslie. Friends+ includes all the regular Friends benefits, plus exclusive invitations to Meet the (Auckland Philharmonia) Musician cocktail evenings, concert drink vouchers, and member benefits from other arts organisations throughout Auckland and beyond. So now music is even better with Friends+,” says Delysse.
Throughout the year, in addition to ten MTAs, the Friends host multiple special events - the proceeds of which support the orchestra. In 2024, they will host a film evening at Ryders Theatre, a Haydn Staples Piano Concert, and a Night at the Theatre.
In 2023, the Friends collectively raised $18,000 to support the orchestra through special events.
Delysse is confident that this support will continue to grow and is passionate about the value of the orchestra’s work sharing live music experiences with the wider community.
“In 2024, we can raise even more support. Our aim to double the number of Friends in our collective and set the orchestra up for another 40 years of support. It’s great to have goals!
“Music is so important to me. As a music educator, I have seen firsthand the effects of music in creating joy in the community and strengthening a love of learning. Research tells us that playing an instrument regularly keeps your neurons active and stronger and literally makes you smarter. For me, music is an extension of mindfulness with people coming together in a collective concentration of an ephemeral moment. So why not surround yourself with music …and Friends.”