The NZSO Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1987 from leading players of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Since then it has established itself as New Zealand’s leading chamber orchestra, an ensemble of the highest quality with a dedication to excellence. It generally performs without a conductor, directed from the first violin chair by Music Director Donald Armstrong. Its size can vary from that of a chamber group up to around 35 players. It is generally made up of strings, with woodwind, brass, and other instruments as the repertoire demands. This small orchestra is generally seated in a semicircle on stage or sometimes the players may stand, the latter being popular with audiences. It has performed with leading world soloists and produced a catalogue of fine CDs. The NZSO Chamber Orchestra has toured throughout New Zealand over the past years, and increasingly abroad. Highlights have included acclaimed performances at EXPO in Seville in 1992, and an engagement by Musica Viva, Australia, as orchestra-in-residence at the prestigious Mittagong Festival, New South Wales, in 1993. The variety of music played ranges from early works such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, classical works by Mozart and friends, to romantic music, and contemporary works. On stage, the NZSO Chamber Orchestra can look elegant and sophisticated, or casual and contemporary, as the occasion demands.