Where Art Rock Meets Symphony: IVY and the Dunedin Youth Orchestra Unite for a One-Night-Only Collaboration

On 28 March 2025, Student Radio Network People’s Choice winners (2024) IVY will be playing ‘Beautiful is the Listening Ear’ a one-off concert of their own songs accompanied by the Dunedin Youth Orchestra (DYO). The project has secured a coveted spot in the Dunedin Arts Festival lineup. IVY’s music is being orchestrated by Otago University lecturer, musician and composer Dr Maddy Parkins-Craig and internationally renowned New Zealand composer Professor Anthony Ritchie (also of Otago University). The performance will be conducted by Emeritus Professor Peter Adams.

IVY lead singer Jesse Hanan said “This is such an incredible opportunity for us. We are so excited, this is another huge step in IVY’s creative journey together. Collaborating with the DYO and renowned classical musicians like Professor Ritchie and Dr Maddy Parkins-Craig is very humbling for us young guys.”

Bea Ward, Chair of the DYO said “IVY’s music is a perfect fit for orchestration – their music gives us a lot to work with, they have a big sound and their live performances are fabulous! I am especially excited about the opportunity that this collaboration will give the orchestra players to explore the rock genre and expand their musical knowledge outside of the classical sphere”.

The combination of band and orchestra is a genre that has growing importance in the music world, bringing together the best of contemporary and classical worlds, appealing to a wide audience of students, families and older folks.

Prof Ritchie said “IVY’s songs are unique and demonstrate a maturity beyond their years. This event is an exciting, innovative and creative project which carries a positive and upbeat message about young people of Aotearoa and the vibrant Arts scene in Dunedin.”

The evening will feature fan favourites tracks as well as new songs that will be on IVY’s forthcoming debut album.

“There will also be a couple of new songs that IVY have never played in front of an audience before.” added Jesse.

The concert will be held at Errick’s Venue in Dunedin in front of an audience of about 300.

Tickets are available now at Moshtix.