In The Italian Style

  • Words by Auckland Live
  • Last updated 28 Oct 2025

Come and enjoy la dolce vita with Giordano Bellincampi! ‘Blue sky in A major’ was how Mendelssohn described his sun-drenched symphony, an affectionate sketch of a country he knew well.

Berlioz, likewise, drew upon ‘poetic memories formed from my wanderings in the Abruzzi’. His piece is a unique hybrid of symphony and viola concerto. The orchestra’s own Robert Ashworth represents Byron’s wandering hero, Childe Harold, ‘a kind of melancholy dreamer’.

Schubert is the odd one out here: he never visited Italy, although you’d never know it from his cheerful homage to Italian music.

Location Te wāhi
Auckland Town Hall | Hōro ā-Tāone o Tāmaki Makaurau
301/317 Queen Street, Auckland Central
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

Auckland Town Hall is opposite Aotea Square on Queen Street. This is along a main bus route and takes about 17-20 minutes to walk from Britomart Station and the ferry terminal. For parking options visit Auckland Transport’s website.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Learn about the colourful history of this iconic venue on an Auckland Town Hall Tour. Visit aucklandlive.com for tour dates and details.