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 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.
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.
NZ Trio: unquiet dreams, musical arguments and a wild ride
In a typically adventurous touring programme, NZ Trio has introduced audiences to the astonishing New York-based composer Lera Auerbach.
Eve de Castro-Robinson premiere: a quiet centre in NZTrio concert
Eve de Castro-Robinson’s new work, the willing air, is the quiet centre of a marvellously curated programme by NZTrio called Homeland 1.
NZTrio: seductive interpretations
The NZTrio are on the road with their Legacy 3 programme.The Wellington performance revealed the Trio at their musical best.
NZTrio: celebrating a legacy
NZTrio’s splendid Legacy 1 programme in Wellington celebrated the ensemble’s 20th birthday, a proud history of New Zealand commissions and a beautiful piano in a new home.
Artistry in virtuosity
Amalia Hall dazzled the audience with her performance in Paganini’s 2nd Violin Concerto with Orchestra Wellington. It was much more than virtuosity.
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.
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?
Mozart live – nourishing the invisible
Orchestra Wellington was quick off the mark with one of the first live concerts in New Zealand after lockdown.