Donald Armstrong

Born in Wellington, Donald Armstrong joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) at the age of 19. After subsequent violin studies at Mannes College, New York, and New England Conservatory in Boston he was appointed Principal Second Violin of the Tivoli Sinfoniorkester in Denmark and soon after become Co-Concertmaster of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice in France. He returned to New Zealand in 1987 as Associate Concertmaster of the NZSO, a position he still holds.

Donald Armstrong was Music Director of the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra (NZCO) from 1987 to 2004. His incisive leadership was a major force in creating the dynamic and exciting style of the NZCO heard both in live concert and on its many commercial recordings.

He has continued his passion for chamber music and performs regularly with his own chamber group, the Amici Ensemble, now in its 39th year of concerts. In 2023 he became Co-Artistic Director of the Martinborough Music Festival with long-time friend and colleague Wilma Smith.

As a conductor Donald has conducted at the Aroha String Quartet Chamber Music Festival, The Akaroa Music Festival, Mt Buller Chamber Music Festival (Australia), NZCO, Wellington Youth Orchestra, Manawatu Sinfonia and Hutt Valley Orchestra. Donald is Resident Conductor of the Kapiti Concert Orchestra.

Donald is interested in preserving and advancing New Zealand’s musical heritage. He is actively involved with Arohanui Strings+ and has seen first-hand the difference that music can make in young people’s lives. As a violinist, teacher, conductor and mentor he encourages young instrumentalists while continuing his quest for the wild, wacky and wonderful in music.