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.
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?
Voices NZ’s ‘Horizons’: moving stories of migration
‘Horizons”, presented by Voices NZ, is a collaboration between Music Director Karen Grylls and Stage Director Jacqui Coats. The dazzling concert offers immersive musical storytelling about migration, trauma and homecoming.
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.
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.
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.