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.
Nocturnal pleasures
In pianist Jian Liu’s touring recital “Nocturnes” the choice of music is as well-judged as his fine playing.
Transfigured Night – from saucy games to passionate desire
Chamber Music New Zealand’s Transfigured Night tour with the New Zealand String Quartet and BalletCollective Aotearoa is not your average chamber music concert.
Human significance
The tragic story of a condemned woman inspires a powerful work. A review of a new CD from Ross Harris and Vincent O’Sullivan.
Inside, outside and not about gender
A review of a recent concert, “Inside-Out”, by the SMP Ensemble and a postscript about “music by women” in concert programmes.
Celebrating chamber music in Nelson
The Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson held a shorter Summer Celebration this year that joined musicians and audiences in a party atmosphere.
Soldiers’ lament
A new release of Michael Williams’ 1st Symphony gives welcome longer life to a powerful musical statement.
RNZ Concert: cultural treasure or bland sound-track to our lives?
The Save RNZ Concert campaign is a year old. Where are we now?
Orchestral manoeuvres
New Zealand’s orchestras are broadening their audiences with innovative approaches.
A brighter shade of blue
Brighter than Blue is an elegant new CD perfect for summertime listening.
Sugar and spice for a ballet
Claire Cowan’s brilliant orchestral score for the Royal NZ Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel is now available on a stylish CD.
Passionate cello recalls dark days
Cello concertos by Edward Elgar and Gareth Farr are brought to passionate life on a new CD.
New Zealand Opera’s Semele – a sumptuous operatic feast
NZ Opera located its inventive production of Handel’s Semele in a cathedral. The company held its nerve in 2020 and presented a dazzling operatic feast.
Singers surviving in a pandemic with London whānau
Singers Madeleine Pierard and Julien van Mellaerts have led New Zealand opera singers in London in a Royal Albert Hall recital to raise spirits and funds during pandemic disruptions.
11 Frames: a rich collection of New Zealand music
Violinist Andrew Beer and pianist Sarah Watkins won a New Zealand Music Award (the ‘Tui’) as Classical Artist of the Year for 2020.
Love Triangle - the “new” NZTrio on tour
The “new” NZ Trio is touring New Zealand with a programme called InterFusions. Love Triangle, the title of one of the works, sums up their musical approach.
A deep dive into Beethoven’s String Quartets
In spite of the challenges of 2020, the New Zealand String Quartet has been able to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a major series of concerts.
Dancing through adversity
A sextet tours for Chamber Music NZ with a programme of light-hearted 1920’s music that invites reflection on troubled times.
On the podium in a pandemic
Conductor Gemma New came to New Zealand to conduct the NZSO in six concerts. In these uncertain times, plans change suddenly.
Music ‘up close’ in a new Wellington venue
Amalia Hall and Stephen de Pledge performed in a new Wellington venue on their recent tour of twelve cities. Did the venue bring us the intimate ambience we seek in chamber music?
Outstanding young talent takes the stage
After 55 years, CMNZ’s Chief Executive Catherine Gibson was determined this Contest would happen in 2020 in spite of the pandemic. The winning ensemble was a string quartet - but all finalists were polished performers.