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.
NZSO Arias: operatic ‘greatest hits’ offers many pleasures
NZSO’s Arias concert delivered exactly what it promised - Puccini’s most popular arias, superbly sung by soprano Eliza Boom and tenor Paul O’Neill, with sensitive accompaniment by the NZSO under José Luis Gómez.
Madeleine Pierard: “sumptuous singing” at home and away
After singing Strauss’s Four Last Songs for English National Ballet, soprano Madeleine Pierard is back in Aotearoa for two operatic roles and an NZSO tour. She talks about vocal fitness and the young stars of TANZOS..
(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”.
Bluebeard’s Castle: a bold, brilliant reimagining of Bartók’s opera
A contemporary reimagining of Bartók’s opera Bluebeard’s Castle is brought to audiences in Wellington and Christchurch by NZSO and NZ Opera.
NZ Opera’s new head, Brad Cohen: sharing the power of music
Brad Cohen, incoming General Director of New Zealand Opera, talked to Five Lines about his training and career as a conductor and his drive to share the power of music through the intimacy of the singing voice.
The Unruly Tourists: an opera, a composer and a departing director
NZ Opera’a General Director Thomas de Mallet Burgess commissioned the opera The Unruly Tourists from composer Luke di Somma. The controversial project has just completed its first season in Auckland.
NZ Opera’s Ihitai ’Avei’a - Star Navigator: a journey to understanding
NZ Opera’s production Ihitai ’Avei’a - Star Navigator boldly crosses artistic, cultural and stylistic boundaries while attracting new audiences to the art form.
New Zealand Opera’s Macbeth: opening the gates of hell
NZ Opera’s Macbeth - Verdi’s genius, an outstanding cast of singers, innovative and atmospheric design and contemporary themes make for an unmissable production.
The Strangest of Angels: a psychological operatic drama
A new opera, The Strangest of Angels, was created by an innovative collaborative process and explores mental health issues.