The Racket Lounge: Session One

Grab a spot on our couch and enjoy the noise at The Racket Lounge - a chill classical music series showcasing up-and-coming Pōneke musicians.

If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, or if you have and now you want to see talented emerging musicians experimenting and playing what they want to play, then The Racket Lounge is for you. Over the past two seasons we’ve seen classical covers, jazz ensembles, video game soundtracks, original compositions, loop pedals, poetry and much more. Our 2026 season is shaping up to be just as epic, plus with your tickets starting at just $5 you can afford to take a chance on something new.

Our first concert, With a Twist, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of The Racket Lounge.  There will of course be your typical classical concert ingredients – pianos, strings, a wind instrument or two. But this concert’s line up that is not all that it seems. With a cocktail of genres and styles, this programme will surprise and delight. From 4-hand piano pieces to unconventional jazz trios and more, there’ll be something for everyone to sink their teeth into - while enjoying a treat from the bar of course. Come ready to taste what Wellington’s new music scene has to offer.

The Racket Lounge is created and presented by the New Zealand String Quartet Trust - Te Rōpū Tūrū o Aotearoa, New Zealand’s longest-running professional string quartet. With support from Wellington City Council.

CHOOSE YOUR PRICE: Our ticket prices range from $5 to $100, so just pick the ticket price you feel like paying. At The Racket Lounge, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality but affordable art. If you're a bit strapped for cash right now, but still want a good night out, no worries! Just book yourself a $5 ticket! If you can afford to pay a little more and want to do some good for your community, then pick one of our higher ticket prices and rest assured that your dollars are going towards funding great, accessible art in your city.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly into presenting the next Racket Lounge, including paying musicians and artists, hiring instruments and marketing costs. Plus, by choosing a higher price point, you're ensuring that we're able to continue to offer tickets at a lower price point for those who need it.

PLEASE NOTE: Bedlam & Squalor is a licensed venue, so under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Everyone must bring ID.