New Zealand Symphony Orchestra stamps take centre stage

birthday stamp: To celebrate 75 years on stage the NZSO is releasing two stamps. Picture supplied

NZ Post's latest stamp release celebrates a milestone birthday for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) and pays homage to the past and present.

Turning 75 this year, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa is one of the world's oldest national symphony orchestras.

It has a reputation for artistic excellence on the international stage, attracting many of the world's leading conductors and soloists each year.

NZ Post Collectables Programme and Content Manager Lynette Townsend says from now a special NZSO 75th Anniversary Mint Miniature Sheet and Miniature First Day Cover are available to purchase.

Each set contains two stamps with denominations of $1.50 and $4.10 and were designed by NZ Post's inhouse designer Hannah Fortune.

Townsend said the 75 Years Together collection paid homage to the past with a photo of the orchestra's first-ever rehearsal (in October 1946) and pays homage to the present with a photo of NZSO's newly appointed Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New.

The orchestra's first-ever concert was held on March 6, 1947 at the Wellington Town Hall.

At 35 years old, Gemma is the first woman to hold the title of Principal Conductor and says she's thrilled to be joining the NZSO team.

“I have been deeply impressed and inspired by the excellence, passion, dedication and inventiveness of the musicians and staff and uplifted by the audience's enthusiastic reception of our performances,” Gemma said.

“I look forward to working with the NZSO in this new role and celebrating new heights together.”