Landmark musical concerts, thought-provoking festivals, hotly-anticipated movie releases (shining a light on some incredible homegrown talent), breathtaking theatrical performances and more: here’s how you should be upping your cultural intake throughout the month of November.
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Why Don't We
Why Don't We
Fans of smooth adolescent pop rejoice, because Zach Herron, Jack Avery, Daniel Seavey, Corbyn Besson, and Jonah Marais – AKA American boy band Why Don’t We – will be bringing their effervescent sound to the ears of Aucklanders come November 25th. All musicians in their own right, the five only became a band in 2016 — and they’ve already amassed a legion of followers (just check their 11+ million monthly streams on Spotify) If that’s not a testament to their appeal, then we don’t know what is.
For more information and tickets, click here.
29th November, Spark Arena
RNZB’s Hansel & Gretel
RNZB’s Hansel & Gretel
Set to be a vividly memorable show, this stunning adaptation of everybody’s favourite fairytale will be the first, full-length ballet score commissioned from a female composer in the history of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra alongside some breathtaking, plié-ing, pirouetting talent, this is local ballet at its finest.
For tickets and more information, click here.
6th November until 14th December, ASB Theatre.
Ford V. Ferrari
Ford V. Ferrari
Matt Damon and Christian Bale star as American car designer Carroll Shelby and British-born driver Ken Miles, respectively, in this remarkable adaptation of a true story. Together, the duo battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their individual troubles as they tackle the biggest mission in racing: building a car powerful enough to defeat the dominant Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. A gripping story for petrol heads, indeed, but one that’s equally as compelling for automotive novices.
In cinemas from 14th November
NZSO Resurrection
NZSO Resurrection
One of the most notable works by renowned, historical composer Gustav Mahler is brought to life in this rousing interpretation by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Carried by Swedish mezzo-soprano Anna Larsson’s magnificent pipes — the world-great is renowned for her Mahler performances — Resurrection is sure to be a piece remembered long after the final note has been struck.
For tickets and more information, click here.
23rd November, Auckland Town Hall.
Sculpture by the Sea
Sculpture by the Sea
The world’s largest free-to-the-public exhibition, Sydney’s Sculpture By The Sea, is back for another year with a blinding medley of weird and wonderful artworks. One hundred thought-provoking pieces will transform the beaches and rocky outcrops of the iconic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, resulting in a breathtaking, two-kilometre-long sculpture park that will inspire and awe in equal measure.
For more information, click here.
On now until 10th November.
U2
U2
Gird your loins (or vocal cords) for a raucous night full of hearty singalongs, because Irish rock collaborative U2 will be delivering a tremendously exhilarating show to New Zealanders. The band will be revisiting their famed Joshua Tree album, with ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ and ‘With Or Without You’ serving as just two of the numerous classics bound to be played.
For tickets and more information, click here.
8th and 9th November, Mt Smart Stadium.
Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana
The sultry sounds of Tash Sultana are returning to Auckland this November, as the Australian multi-hyphenate performer gears up to play Spark Arena fress off the back of her sold-out tour last year. Part of her Flow State World Tour, this explosive show will see the one person powerhouse perform hits from her crowd-pleasing album of the same name, like smash single ‘Jungle’ and funky new single ‘Can’t Buy Happiness’.
For tickets and more information, click here.
22nd November, Spark Arena.
Khalid
Khalid
He’s only 21, and pop crooner Khalid is already a stadium-filling, Grammy-nominated, double Platinum-certified album-boasting artist. His performances reflect as much, and the Australian and New Zealand legs of his American Teen Tour sold out in 2017 instantaneously. We’re expecting much of the same hot anticipation for his latest tour Free Spirit, which will see him perform favourites from his new album like ‘Talk’ and John Mayer collab ‘Outta My Head’, so we suggest you swoop in on this one quick.
For more information and tickets, click here.
November 20th – 21st, Spark Arena
Hermitude
Hermitude
New South Wales duo and masters of electronic hip hop, Luke Dubber and Angus Stuart, have just released their energetic single Northern Lights — a homage to early dance and rave music — and an all-encompassing tour to boot. Daring, brash, unique and entirely fresh in all aspects of their creative process, we can only suspect that seeing the twosome in the flesh will be an experience quite unlike anything else.
For more information and tickets, click here.
November 13th, The Powerstation
Swan Lake
Swan Lake
Quite possibly the most beloved production in all of ballet’s history, Swan — in any of its guises — is a masterpiece that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. The cherished classic will be showcased this November at the hands of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company, with Gediminas Taranda, its artistic director, making only slight revisions and subtle variations to the original story.
For more information and tickets, click here.
31st October – 2nd November Bruce Mason Centre & ASB Theatre
Les Miserables
Les Miserables
Another time-honoured, treasured classic, the story of Les Miserables is one that stands the test of time like so few others manage to do. From the film adaptations to the novel itself, the story is incredible in all its forms, but there’s nothing that’s quite as majestic as an all-singing theatrical stage show — hence the furore over Auckland’s imminent production.
For more information, click here.
7th – 30th November, The Civic
Denmark Design
Denmark Design
This October, the Auckland Art Gallery will be paying ode to impeccable Danish design craftsmanship via an all-encompassing exhibition. Spanning centuries, Denmark Design charts developments from the 19th century right up until modern-day, putting over 200 of the most iconic, original Danish household items on display — from the Lego brick to the Panton chair — from some of the country’s most skilful designers and manufacturers.
For more information, click here.
On now until 2nd February 2020
British Film Festival
British Film Festival
The iconic British Film Festival is launching in New Zealand for the very first time this month with a lineup comprising some seriously stellar content. 28 British films will screen across 22 cinemas nationwide, many of which feature some of Britain’s most renowned acting talent, like Kiera Knightley, Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale and Vanessa Redgrave. Particular highlights we can’t wait to see include 2018 drama Farming, music documentary Liam Gallagher: As It Was and this year’s release, Military Wives.
Check your local cinemas’ websites for more information.
October 31st – November 13th
Call Of The Ocean by Freeman White
Call Of The Ocean by Freeman White
Following his sellout presentation at the 2019 Auckland Art Fair, Hawke’s Bay artist Freeman White is back, bringing his first-ever solo exhibition to Sanderson Gallery. Call of the Ocean, inspired by his The Song of the Shingle Shore, pays homage to the intense power of the ocean — encapsulating the emotive musicality of crashing waves as they hit the shoreline.
For more information, click here.
On now until 10th November, Sanderson Gallery
Jojo Rabbit
Jojo Rabbit
Written and directed by Taika Waititi and starring gifted actress-on-the-rise Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit is very much an explosion of homegrown talent. The film, a coming-of-age styled ‘anti-hate’ satire, follows is a young, lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. His only ally is his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, who helps Jojo confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
In cinemas now
