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.
Pianist Jian Liu: a way of living through music
Pianist Jian Liu is having a busy 2024, but his career from China to New Zealand via America has prepared him for this life in 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.
Bartók - a musical colour-burst
A new album of Bartók’s music for violin and piano by violinist Monique Lapins and pianist Jian Liu has energy, momentum and a forthright passionate approach.
21 x 21: not such a “crazy idea”
Soprano Jenny Wollerman commissioned 21 songs from female composers of New Zealand, setting texts by female poets, and will premiere the set with pianist Jian Liu in a recital in the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts.
John Psathas: Voices at the End
John Psathas wrote Voices at the End for six grand pianos to communicate a heartfelt message about our world. For the premiere he had a “dream team”.
Nocturnal pleasures
In pianist Jian Liu’s touring recital “Nocturnes” the choice of music is as well-judged as his fine playing.