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.
Suite Aotearoa: magic woven from our natural world
Pianist Sharon Joy Vogan conceived, commissioned and performed the new works for the magical album, Suite Aotearoa, collaborating with taonga pūoro specialist Horomona Horo.
NZSO’s Tchaikovsky 5: Han-Na Chang’s passionate empathy
Conductor Han-Na Chang brought her insight into Tchaikovsky’s inner turmoil to a splendid performance of his 5th Symphony.
Voices New Zealand and the shining light of Karen Grylls
The recent concert “When Light Breaks” revealed many aspects of the art of Dr Karen Grylls, who has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding contributions to choral music.
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.
Nocturnal pleasures
In pianist Jian Liu’s touring recital “Nocturnes” the choice of music is as well-judged as his fine playing.
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.