Supported by Mary & Peter Biggs CNZM

Donald Armstrong is the Associate Concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Playing a concert is even more fun than listening. We are truly the lucky ones (although we have an awesome musical badminton group on Mondays, and mountain biking is nearly as exhilarating as performing!)

Donald was previously Principal Second Violin of the Tivoli Sinfoniorkester in Denmark and Co-Concertmaster of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice in France. He performs regularly in New Zealand as a chamber musician and conductor and has taught as an artist-teacher at the New Zealand School of Music.

Donald was Music Director of the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra (NZCO) from its inception in 1987 until 2005. His incisive leadership has been a significant force in creating the dynamic and exciting style of the NZCO, heard both in live concert and on its many commercial recordings. His chamber group, the Amici Ensemble, is currently in its 36th year of concerts.

Donald is dedicated to preserving and advancing New Zealand's musical heritage. As a violinist, teacher, conductor and mentor, he encourages young instrumentalists while continuing his quest for the wild, wacky and wonderful in music.

He plays a violin by Nicolo Gagliano of 1754.

I sang in the chorus of Carmen with Kiri Te Kanawa in the title role in 1969 when I was 11. She was really nice and autographed my friend's cricket bat. Unfortunately, my singing career came to an end at age 13, but I was hooked on performing from then on. Then an incredible experience in the National Youth Orchestra set me on a path to professional music.