Classical
Upbeat for Wednesday 27 June
Gareth Farr discusses his new commission Te Kōanga, music takes flight with Trevor Reekie and we go on a musical holiday to the south of Italy.
Lots of love in NZ Opera’s Elixir for emerging artist Natasha Wilson
New Zealand Opera’s The Elixir of Love continues at Wellington’s Opera House. NZO’s emerging young artist Natasha Wilson injects energy, sass and warmth into her role has Giannetta – a community… Audio
Upbeat for Monday 25 June
The National Centre of Musical Excellence in Wellington gets a $4 million Lotteries boost; Prokofiev heads into a pub, and top trumpeter Alison Balsom emphasizes the importance of music education… Audio
Upbeat for Friday 22 June
What’s going on at the University of Auckland Music & Dance Library? Have we reached “Peak David”? And Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya talks to Upbeat ahead of concerts with the NZSO.
The story behind ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’
It’s one of the most recognizable lullabies – a go-to for many, ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ has been adapted and performed by parents and professional musicians alike. But what's the real story… Video
Upbeat for Thursday 21 June
Today it’s all about technology - new copyright laws for Youtube and Alexa teaches us music. Plus a live performance by Nga Taonga Puoro player Alistair Fraser and bass player Phil Boniface. Video
Carlos the charismatic conductor
Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto brings his charisma to the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra this week to lead the performance of Ottensamer plays Weber. Audio
Could 3D printed instruments solve RSI for musicians?
3D printing has revolutionized housing, medicine and now music. The number of musicians experiencing repetitive strain injury is growing and instruments are being designed to try and stop the damage.
…Upbeat for Wednesday 20 June
We mark World Refugee Day, and report on drama at the English National Opera, and we chat to charismatic conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.
Upbeat for Tuesday 19 June
Russia’s famous Marinsky Orchestra visits Saudi Arabia, 3d printed instruments, energetic conductor Jessica Gethin on working with the APO and Michael Bolton, and we shine the spotlight on influential… Video
Review: CSO’s Fear and Courage
Tony Ryan reviews the Christchurch Symphony Orchestras Fear and Courage concert featuring energetic pianist Nikolay Khozyainov. Audio
Upbeat for Monday 18 June
New Zealand Opera announces its new General Director, we play music inspired by the Football World Cup, Tony Ryan reviews the CSO & we mark the passing of conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky.
Prokofiev, Psycho and the guest pianist
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is joined by virtuoso pianist Nikolay Khozyainov for its Fear and Courage concert tomorrow. Prokofiev’s third Piano Concerto, Bernard Hermann’s Psycho and… Audio
Upbeat for Friday 15 June
Some international orchestras ban their female players from wearing pants. What’s the standard here? We look forward to this weekend’s Christchurch Symphony Orchestra performance of Prokofiev’s Third…
Rock star cellists 2CELLOS return
The cello wielding rock stars of cross-over 2CELLO are returning to New Zealand. Video, Audio
Upbeat for Thursday 14 June
Famous cellists announce NZ performance, a renowned artist gets rejected by the Royal Academy Art Show, Orchestra Wellington announces a new board chair, pianist Somi Kim on her guest work with NZTrio…
Upbeat for Wednesday 13 June
Singing big at the Big Sing, the concert hall goes to the street, and we continue celebrating rising music stars. Video
Upbeat for Tuesday 12 June
A stable of horses react to the a-mare-zing sounds of Bach, how listening to music at work alters your mind, NZSO with tenor Simon O’Neill is reviewed by Peter Hoar, Jazz Tui winner Umar Zakaria and…
APO takes us to Funkytown
Studio 54 and orchestral music don’t usually go together, but this week the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is cranking out the platforms, bellbottoms and big hair as they bring disco hits alive… Video, Audio
Horses show unbridled enthusiasm for Bach
Watch a stable of horses being treated to the a-mare-zing sounds of Bach. Video