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, 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.
Violinist James Ehnes: serendipity, special friends and a Strad
Violinist James Ehnes visits New Zealand for concertos with the Auckland Philharmonia and NZSO, and a role on the judging panel of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Michael Norris and “Rerenga”: an extraordinary journey
The five masterpieces on this new Rattle album, RERENGA, confirm Michael Norris as one of New Zealand’s most significant living composers.
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.
NZSO’s Four Seasons: Kuusisto’s virtuosic showmanship wins the audience prize
Conductor/violinist Pekka Kuusisto entertained the NZSO audience with his inventive performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Can showmanship go too far?
Anthony Ritchie’s Symphony No 6: love, death and the afterlife
Anthony Ritchie’s Symphony No 6, performed by the NZSO, is released by Rattle. The composer reflects on personal and global events in a dark-hued work full of deep emotions.
Gemma New: the NZSO’s new Principal Conductor
Gemma New’s appointment as Principal Conductor of the NZSO has been greeted with delight in her home country. For this rising international star of the podium, it is a dream come true.