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.
Music of Aotearoa
A 1999 work for taonga pūoro and flute has inspired a new generation of composers.
Making waves
“A love song to the oceans” is how choral conductor Karen Grylls describes Taonga Moana. Now the concert is coming to the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts in Wellington..
NZ String Quartet: subtlety and flair
The New Zealand String Quartet’s National Tour 2021 took two well-crafted programmes around the country, sharing the variety of contrasting characters the ensemble can play.
Jenny McLeod at 80: “to me I’m always me…”
Composer Jenny McLeod died on 28 November 2022. In a birthday tribute in 2021 I wrote about the life and work of this brilliant and mercurial composer.
Tararua: Bird Like Men
Bird Like Men, the debut album from new ensemble Tararua, draws on personal inspiration to tell our stories.
At the World’s Edge Festival: intimacy, awe and connection
This week violinists Justine Cormack and Ben Baker will realise their dream of a new chamber music festival in Central Otago.
Salina Fisher: personal music for a worldwide audience
Composer Salina Fisher is composer-in-residence at the inaugural At the World’s Edge Festival in Central Otago. Five of her compositions feature in Festival programmes.
Julien van Mellaerts - home and away
Baritone Julien van Mellaerts includes a song cycle commissioned from Gareth Farr and Bill Manhire in his new album of art songs called Songs of Travel and Home.
John Psathas: Voices at the End
John Psathas wrote Voices at the End for six grand pianos to communicate a heartfelt message about our world. For the premiere he had a “dream team”.
Violinist Wilma Smith - chamber music with friends
Violinist Wilma Smith is in New Zealand for a chamber music tour and the annual Martinborough Music Festival. The Delta outbreak has her plans in flux but she’s still smiling.
Tony Yan Tong Chen - Homecoming
Young New Zealand pianist Tony Yan Tong Chen displays his range and virtuosity on a new album of music by Liszt, Mozart, Tan Dun, John Psathas and Prokofiev.
Call of the Huia - old songs made new
A rediscovery project by Michael Vinten collecting previously unavailable New Zealand art songs is attracting the attention of singers and teachers.
Stroma celebrates its 20th anniversary
An interview with composer Michael Norris, co-director of Stroma, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a concert of music from Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.
Who’s afraid of big bad opera?
A new opera for children, RED! by New Zealander Lucy Mulgan, delights the Wellington audience.
A tale of two pianists
Two very different piano recitals by exciting young New Zealand pianists recently offered thought-provoking contrasts.
Bells and whistles
LANDFALL, a new Rattle album of New Zealand percussion music performed by Justin DeHart, is curated for variety and contrast.
Musical soulmates
Melanie Lançon, Bede Hanley and Stephen de Pledge are on a ten-centre tour for Chamber Music NZ with a trio programme called “Fantasy and Romance”.
Jazz oasis
Sanctuary by saxophonist/composers Jasmine Lovell-Smith and Jake Baxendale is a recent jazz release that shows off their fine rapport and different compositional flavours.
The conductor’s art
Gemma New visited New Zealand recently to conduct the NZSO and National Youth Orchestra in music by Gareth Farr, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. She brought both musical understanding and composing skill to the podium.
RNZ Concert’s new Manager: passion for music and radio
RNZ Concert’s new Manager has a passion for New Zealand music and radio. She wants more people to enjoy what Concert has to offer.