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.
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.
Beneath the trees: voices of women of Aotearoa
Beneath the trees: 21x21 is a new album of songs by 21 women composers of Aotearoa, setting words by our female poets. It’s an invaluable addition to the canon of New Zealand song.
The Adam Festival: chamber music heaven
Audiences from around Aotearoa, Australia and elsewhere gathered in Nelson for the star-studded lineup of chamber musicians at the biennial Adam Festival.
Jenny McLeod: calling the tune
In the biography Jenny McLeod: A Life in Music, Norman Meehan captures the composer’s eloquent, witty and individual voice.
STROMA: intimate musical dialogues
STROMA paid tribute to composers Jenny McLeod and Kaija Saariaho, presented new works by young composers of Aotearoa and ended a superbly-played concert with a theatrical work by Norma Beecroft.
Portrait with Piano: Jenny McLeod
An 80th birthday tribute album shines a light on 50 years of piano composition by New Zealand composer Jenny McLeod
Jenny McLeod at 80: “to me I’m always me…”
Composer Jenny McLeod died on 28 November 2022. In a birthday tribute in 2021 I wrote about the life and work of this brilliant and mercurial composer.
Violinist Wilma Smith - chamber music with friends
Violinist Wilma Smith is in New Zealand for a chamber music tour and the annual Martinborough Music Festival. The Delta outbreak has her plans in flux but she’s still smiling.
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.