Wellington music fans packed the Michael Fowler Centre on 2 April, as Bic Runga took the stage with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for a concert blending new material with long-time favourites.
The central city show drew a strong local turnout, with audiences eager to see Bic perform alongside the country’s premier orchestra in a collaboration that has become a highlight of her current tour.
Bic’s appearance follows a quieter period in her career, during which she stepped back from regular touring to focus on family life. Her latest album, released after more than a decade without new original material, reflects that shift, featuring a slower and more reflective sound.
Those newer songs formed a key part of the setlist. Backed by full orchestral arrangements, they offered a different feel from her earlier work, favouring layered textures over the guitar-driven style that defined her early success.
The evening opened with orchestral pieces led by musician and producer Kody Nielson, who also directed the band throughout the concert. Working alongside a small group of supporting musicians, he coordinated closely with the orchestra to deliver a tightly structured performance.
When Bic took the stage, she was met with warm applause from the Wellington audience. Listeners responded attentively to the new material, while familiar songs such as “Sway,” “Drive,” and “Something Good” prompted singalongs and some of the biggest reactions of the night.
The collaboration with the orchestra added a new dimension to the performance. Arrangements supported Bic’s vocals without overpowering them, allowing quieter moments to resonate while building to fuller, cinematic peaks.
Audience members spoken to after the show said the newer songs felt different from what they expected, but still connected. Others said they appreciated the balance between well-known hits and newer work.
The performance closed with an upbeat finale that had much of the crowd on its feet, reflecting continued support for an artist whose music has remained part of many New Zealanders’ lives.
With more shows scheduled around the country, Bic Runga’s return signals a new phase in her career, one that Wellington audiences appear ready to follow.
