Now in its 35th year, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has been designated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage as New ZealandÕs Metropolitan Orchestra: the only full-time professional city-based symphony orchestra in the country. It exists to inspire a passion for orchestral music by engaging with Aucklanders of all ages and cultures through its world class main stage concert performances and education and community outreach programmes. While it focuses on serving the greater Auckland region, its concert and education patrons regularly travel from points considerably outside that area. Comprising 70 full-time musicians, the APO is administered by 27 staff and supported by many volunteers. In over 50 performances annually, the APO presents a full season of symphonic work showcasing many of the worldÕs finest classical musicians including, most recently James Ehnes, Nikolai Demidenko and Dame Evelyn Glennie. The APO is also proud to work with the New Zealand Opera and the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. Through its numerous education, outreach and community initiatives Ð APO Connecting Ð it offers opportunities to more than 20,000 young people and adults to participate in music, from hip hop, rock and contemporary to classical. Second to none in New Zealand, it is one of the most dynamic, innovative and all-encompassing programmes of any major Australasian orchestra, strategically designed to address the needs of students across the entire educational spectrum. The APOÕs Music Director is Giordano Bellincampi. Barbara Glaser, Chief Executive reports to a trust board, chaired by Geraint A Martin. More than 100,000 people hear the orchestra live each year, not including live broadcasts on Radio New Zealand Concert. To learn more about APO's corporate hospitality or sponsorship contact hospitality@apo.co.nz or 09 638 6266