In the late 1800s, one of New Zealand’s earliest international sensations – Rosina Buckman – received her first formal voice lessons in Palmerston North. Ever since, from opera to hip hop, bagpipes to violins, musical Palmerstonians have excelled at home and abroad. 

Support for young musicians in Palmerston North is vast. For example, in addition to excellent school-based programmes, Palmerston North is home to the Manawatu Youth Orchestra (which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011) and The Stomach, managed by Creative Sounds, provides affordable recording studios, rehearsal and performance space.