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.
The Monster is coming: NZ Opera’s thrilling community opera
NZ Opera’s community production, The Monster in the Maze, brings a Pacific flavour to the ancient Greek story of how Theseus slew the Minotaur and saved the youth of Athens.
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.
New Zealand Opera’s Macbeth: “blood everywhere”
NZ Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Macbeth explores issues of power and gender and the derangement and paranoia of the 21st century human psyche.