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.
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.
New Zealand Opera’s Macbeth: “blood everywhere”
NZ Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Macbeth explores issues of power and gender and the derangement and paranoia of the 21st century human psyche.
Wellington Opera’s La Traviata: moving and poignant
Wellington Opera’s La Traviata brought subtle and complex character development to the stage in a moving production that largely transcended pandemic disruptions.
Giuseppe Verdi: magical and timeless
Verdi’s “furious and glorious music” will delight many New Zealand audiences and radio listeners with its beauty and contemporary relevance this month. Why is Verdi still so popular?