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.
Mataatua and Beethoven: Opus Orchestra brings powerful musical stories to Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Opus Orchestra’s Mataatua and Beethoven concert was a significant event in Hamilton’s BNZ Theatre. Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Gillian Whitehead’s moving opera delighted a large audience.
Cellist Matthias Balzat: representing the music with an open heart
Cellist Matthias Balzat is returning to New Zealand for a concert tour, including three concerto appearances with Opus Orchestra. He talked to Five Lines about his musical upbringing.