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.
SOUNDCATHEDRAL: sonic architecture across time and space
Michael Norris’s SoundCathedral was installed in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for premiere during the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts. Its monumental sonic architecture made a big impact.
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.
Gillian Whitehead’s Mate Ururoa: powerful storytelling with aroha and pride
Gillian Whitehead’s opera Mate Ururoa tells a powerful story of a Māori Captain in the 1st World War, entwining taonga pūoro, western instruments and voices in a moving production.
The Jac + Stroma: a wide-ranging musical conversation
Two first-rate ensembles, The Jac and Stroma, get together for A GATHERING to “explore the hinterlands of jazz.” Elliot Vaughan reports from the NZ Fringe.
Stroma celebrates its 20th anniversary
An interview with composer Michael Norris, co-director of Stroma, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a concert of music from Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.