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.
Orpheus Choir and Haydn’s The Creation: fine singing and radiant music
Orpheus Choir Wellington provided a welcome opportunity to experience Haydn's The Creation, a work the composer and others believed was one of his greatest masterpieces.
TANZOS: a springboard for outstanding young opera singers in Aotearoa
Soprano Madeleine Pierard is the head of TANZOS, an exciting new Opera Studio at the University of Waikato. It was the dream of Dame Malvina Major, and her Foundation is a major donor to the initiative.
NZSO Requiem: life and death across three centuries
The NZSO’s “Requiem” concert offered music about life and death from John Psathas, Richard Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Conductor Gemma New brought energetic inspiration to all three works.
The Strangest of Angels: a psychological operatic drama
A new opera, The Strangest of Angels, was created by an innovative collaborative process and explores mental health issues.
Celebrating chamber music in Nelson
The Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson held a shorter Summer Celebration this year that joined musicians and audiences in a party atmosphere.