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 ‘Legends’: Masaaki Suzuki reveals new magic in beloved classics
For the ‘Legends’ concert, the NZSO stayed with the safest of popular programming, but conductor Masaaki Suzuki revealed something special and new about the music.
Michael Houstoun and “the 48”: insight into Bach’s genius
Pianist Michael Houstoun’s new album of the 48 Preludes and Fugues of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier is a magnificent achievement and a great insight into the Baroque master’s genius.
Johnny Gandelsman: a new and seductive view of Bach’s Cello Suites
Violinist Johnny Gandelsman conjured magic in a new and beguiling view of Bach’s Six Suites for Solo Cello in a concert in the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts in Wellington.
At the World’s Edge: musical bonfire in the mountains
Two violinists have set a musical bonfire alight in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Central Otago. Their second festival was a boldly programmed event in intimate venues, with top-notch international and local musicians.