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.
APO and Cresswell’s Dragspil: a concerto comes home
Classical accordionist James Crabb performs the New Zealand premiere of Lyell Cresswell’s Dragspil with the APO, a work written for Crabb to play at the 1995 BBC Proms.
Victoria Kelly’s Requiem: stretching time
As composer Victoria Kelly prepares for the world premiere of her major work, Requiem, she talks about the personal losses, and the poetry, that were her inspiration.
Podium dynamics
Does gender on the podium matter? Is the issue merely one of equity? Are female conductors measured by a different standard?
Giuseppe Verdi: magical and timeless
Verdi’s “furious and glorious music” will delight many New Zealand audiences and radio listeners with its beauty and contemporary relevance this month. Why is Verdi still so popular?
Andrew Beer in Whitehead premiere - going with the tide
Dame Gillian Whitehead’s new work, Tai timu, tai pari, is premiered by the Auckland Philharmonia with their concertmaster Andrew Beer as soloist. It’s not a typical concerto.
Christian Li: a prodigious talent
Violinist Christian Li made his debut with the Auckland Philharmonia recently and RNZ Concert is broadcasting the concert this week. Aged just 14, his playing is both dazzling and thoughtful.
Leonard Weiss: podium experiences
New Zealand’s professional orchestras have made the second appointment to a national development role for conductors.
Jonathan Cohen: playing music from a time of turmoil
Jonathan Cohen, the Auckland Philharmonia’s principal clarinettist, will play Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Clarinet Concert with the APO this week.
RNZ Concert’s new Manager: passion for music and radio
RNZ Concert’s new Manager has a passion for New Zealand music and radio. She wants more people to enjoy what Concert has to offer.
Taking us to New York City
Pianist Somi Kim makes her Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra debut this week in George Gershwin’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in F.
Human significance
The tragic story of a condemned woman inspires a powerful work. A review of a new CD from Ross Harris and Vincent O’Sullivan.