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.
Lucas and Arthur Jussen, piano duo: dazzling virtuosity with miraculous rapport
Lucas and Arthur Jussen, duo pianists from the Netherlands, entranced audiences on a five concert tour of New Zealand for Chamber Music New Zealand.
The John Psathas Group: pianos, percussion and technology
The John Psathas Group is a new international ensemble with two pianists and two percussionists. It was launched in New Zealand with a tour for Chamber Music NZ.
NZSO Myths and Legends: the brooding charms of Finnish music
Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen has returned to New Zealand after 11 years to tour with the NZSO, playing music from his home country by Sibelius and Lindberg.
The Phileo Quartet: sweet flavours of Vienna
New Zealand violinist Benjamin Morrison has brought some of his Vienna Philharmonic colleagues to tour his home country for Chamber Music New Zealand as the Phileo Quartet.
The Elouan Quartet with flutist Bridget Douglas: light loveliness and splendid variety
The Elouan Quartet recently toured two interesting, well-curated programmes to regional chamber music centres with flutist Bridget Douglas.
NZSO National Youth Orchestra: an ocean voyage in radiant colour
The 2026 NZSO National Youth Orchestra took audiences in Wellington and Auckland on an engaging ocean voyage with music by Bewley, Britten, Foumai and Debussy.
Orchestra Wellington and some thoughts on virtuosity
Orchestra Wellington’s concert ‘Virtuosi’, in collaboration with the New Zealand String Quartet and cellist Inbal Meggido, explored different approaches to virtuosity in music by Elgar and Bartók.
Pianist Jian Liu: vivid pianism and intriguing curation across cultures
Pianist Jian Liu’s touring recital programme, pairing New Zealand and Chinese works, was thoughtfully curated and beautifully played.
NZSO, Gemma New and James Ehnes: whimsy, passion and grandeur
The NZSO with conductor Gemma New and violinist James Ehnes thrilled the audience with music by Thomas Adès, Erich Korngold and Gustav Mahler.
Mataatua and Beethoven: Opus Orchestra brings powerful musical stories to Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Opus Orchestra’s Mataatua and Beethoven concert was a significant event in Hamilton’s BNZ Theatre. Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Gillian Whitehead’s moving opera delighted a large audience.
XL: a brilliant celebration of 40 years of The Tudor Consort
The Tudor Consort celebrated its 40th anniversary with a brilliant programme in Wellington Cathedral including Tallis’s 40-part Spem in alium and the work it inspired, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s Tentatio.
Orpheus Choir: fine singing in an ambitious programme
The Orpheus Choir in its recent concert revealed the glorious music of Mozart’s Requiem and made the most of Christopher Tin’s To Shiver the Sky under the baton of Brent Stewart.
NZSO and Shostakovich’s 8th Symphony: howls of grief and rage
Shostakovich’s magnificent, grief-filled 8th Symphony captures the zeitgeist in a strong performance by the NZSO under André de Ridder.
NZSO and María Dueñas: casting a spell with Beethoven
The NZSO opened its 2026 season with violinist María Dueñas playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. But did we really need to hear Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony again?
SOUNDCATHEDRAL: sonic architecture across time and space
Michael Norris’s SoundCathedral was installed in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for premiere during the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts. Its monumental sonic architecture made a big impact.
Korimako Piano Trio: fine musicians in thoughtful accord
New Zealand newest chamber ensemble, the Korimako Trio, opened its 2026 season with an enthusiastically-received concert for the Waikanae Music Society.
Joyce DiDonato with the NZSO: great artistry from a generous spirit
American superstar soprano Joyce DiDonato delighted audiences with her magnificent singing and generous personality in concerts and masterclasses during her first visit to New Zealand.
NZTrio: electrifying momentum
The NZTrio, in its new line-up of Amalia Hall, Somi Kim and Matthias Balzat, seems in its “Hypnotique” programme to have fully gelled into a unified, high-octane ensemble.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: delightful and uplifting
Wellington writer Corrina Connor reviewed a recent performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio by the Bach Choir and Nota Bene with the Chiesa Ensemble.
Four Last Songs: NZTrio and soprano Emma Pearson in marvellous musical accord
NZTrio with guest Emma Pearson delivered a crackling concert of varied repertoire, including Strauss's Four Last Songs arranged by NZ composer Salina Fisher.