Five Lines is a collection of writings about music in Aotearoa New Zealand by Elizabeth Kerr. It features short articles, artist profiles and reviews of concerts, operas and albums. You can subscribe - it’s free - at the bottom of any story.
NZSO National Youth Orchestra: energy and passion in outstanding performances
This NZSO National Youth Orchestra offered fine performances of lush music by Strauss and Rachmaninov and the premiere of glacier, a work of complex textures and timbres by Luka Venter.
Shostakovich: music for troubled times
Marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Shostakovich, New Zealand musicians are playing his music. Does it provide the greatest insight into a major 20th century composer?
The Night Watch: exploring the intimate beauty of darkness
Wellington-based specialist early music ensemble The Night Watch presents “in Darknesse”, the second of a 2025 triptych of concerts exploring the themes of darkness and the human voice.
Anemic Cinema @ the Roxy: Stroma goes to the movies
Contemporary ensemble Stroma has created an adventurous programme of experimental black-and-white film with new and colourful soundtracks for the Lōemis Festival.
Pianist John Chen on tour: French masterpieces played with formidable dynamism
John Chen’s CMNZ tour is bringing a recital programme of French masterpieces from the 19th century to 13 New Zealand centres. His playing is highly accomplished and marvellously expressive.
NZ Opera’s new La Bohème: what’s the enduring appeal of Puccini’s masterpiece?
Why is Puccini’s La Bohème still one of the world’s favourite operas, long after its première in 1896? And why should you not miss NZ Opera’s new production? NZ Opera’s Brad Cohen offers some answers.
Reuben Brown’s journey to the podium: learning from the best
Conductor Reuben Brown is en route to a career on the podium, driven by talent, determination and charm. His mentors include Ken Young, Gemma New, Hamish McKeich, James Judd and Giordano Bellincampi.
The remarkable Amalia Hall: star soloist, concertmaster and chamber musician
Violinist Amalia Hall will join the NZSO for Bartók’s 2nd Violin Concerto. But she’s equally at home as concertmaster or chamber musician and she’s playing all three roles at home and internationally.
NZSO ‘Legends’: Masaaki Suzuki reveals new magic in beloved classics
For the ‘Legends’ concert, the NZSO stayed with the safest of popular programming, but conductor Masaaki Suzuki revealed something special and new about the music.
NZTrio’s Magnifique: variety and virtuosity
NZTrio’s ‘Magnifique’ programme is currently on tour, a wonderful debut for the ensemble’s new line-up. Their winning mix of adventurous repertoire and splendid performances is set to continue.
Maestra Shiyeon Sung: conducting as a transfer of energy
Shiyeon Sung, Principal Guest Conductor of the Auckland Philharmonia, talks about becoming a conductor, her teachers and role models, and her upcoming Auckland concert.