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.
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.
At the World’s Edge Festival: intimacy, awe and connection
This week violinists Justine Cormack and Ben Baker will realise their dream of a new chamber music festival in Central Otago.
Salina Fisher: personal music for a worldwide audience
Composer Salina Fisher is composer-in-residence at the inaugural At the World’s Edge Festival in Central Otago. Five of her compositions feature in Festival programmes.
Music ‘up close’ in a new Wellington venue
Amalia Hall and Stephen de Pledge performed in a new Wellington venue on their recent tour of twelve cities. Did the venue bring us the intimate ambience we seek in chamber music?
Outstanding young talent takes the stage
After 55 years, CMNZ’s Chief Executive Catherine Gibson was determined this Contest would happen in 2020 in spite of the pandemic. The winning ensemble was a string quartet - but all finalists were polished performers.
Bassoon discoveries
Bassoonist Ben Hoadley is also a prize-winning composer whose professional life has been re-balanced during the 2020 global pandemic.