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.
TOWARDS MIDNIGHT: Percussionist Justin DeHart explores our unknown future
Percussionist Justin DeHart worked with five New Zealand composers for his second Rattle volume of New Zealand percussion music, TOWARDS MIDNIGHT.
New Zealand piano music: walking with the birds
Pianist Jian Liu’s playing on his new 3-disc album of New Zealand piano music is lyrical and luminous, and full of respect for the music.
NZ String Quartet: Unique counterpoints of Aotearoa
In their new album Notes from a journey ll, Te Haerenga, the New Zealand String Quartet continues its journey through the music of Aotearoa.
(m)Orpheus: death and dreams in a stunning dance-opera
(m)Orpheus by NZ Opera and Black Grace is a stunning fusion of opera, dance and storytelling, in “a world where dreams can conquer death”.
(m)Orpheus: grief, art and truth
NZ Opera and Black Grace Dance have an outstanding creative team to reimagine Gluck’s masterpiece Orpheus and Eurydice. (m)Orpheus, combining Greek myth with Pasifika storytelling, opens this week.
At the World’s Edge: musical bonfire in the mountains
Two violinists have set a musical bonfire alight in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Central Otago. Their second festival was a boldly programmed event in intimate venues, with top-notch international and local musicians.
Moonstone: music from Aotearoa for viola and piano
Moonstone, a new album from Robert Ashworth (viola) and Sarah Watkins (piano) explores many voices and styles in music of Aotearoa.
Gareth Farr premiere: Where Will They Bury My Bones
A moving new work, Where will they bury my bones? by Gareth Farr and Paul Horan, had its premiere as a film with ex-patriate New Zealanders in the chamber ensemble.
Music of Aotearoa
A 1999 work for taonga pūoro and flute has inspired a new generation of composers.
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.
Julien van Mellaerts - home and away
Baritone Julien van Mellaerts includes a song cycle commissioned from Gareth Farr and Bill Manhire in his new album of art songs called Songs of Travel and Home.
The conductor’s art
Gemma New visited New Zealand recently to conduct the NZSO and National Youth Orchestra in music by Gareth Farr, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. She brought both musical understanding and composing skill to the podium.
Stars align
Gareth Farr is enormously proud of his new work for the NZSO, Ngā Hihi o Matariki (The Rays of Matariki).
Passionate cello recalls dark days
Cello concertos by Edward Elgar and Gareth Farr are brought to passionate life on a new CD.
11 Frames: a rich collection of New Zealand music
Violinist Andrew Beer and pianist Sarah Watkins won a New Zealand Music Award (the ‘Tui’) as Classical Artist of the Year for 2020.