Classical
Upbeat for Wednesday 28 March
We look ahead to Easter at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, hear underground sound art beneath an Auckland volcano and another famous conductor. Audio
History making Kiwi oboist
The ARD International Music Competition is the largest such competition in Germany. In its 66-year history, only one New Zealander has ever won a prize. Upbeat talks with oboist Thomas Hutchinson who… Audio
Review: Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Pathétique
Pianist Tony Chen Lin gave a performance of Ravel’s piano concerto with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra on Saturday in the Garden City. Tony Ryan was at the very special concert that also featured… Audio
Upbeat for Tuesday 27 March
We look back to previous Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Award recipients, Tony Ryan review’s CSO’s Pathétique; We talk to Oboist Thomas Hutchinson & Sir Simon Rattle is the second in…
Review: NZ Opera’s Candide
NZ Opera and the Auckland Philharmonia presented a short season of Leonard Bernstein’s Volaire-inspired operetta Candide as part of the Auckland Arts Festival. Was it the best of all possible worlds… Audio
Upbeat for Monday 26 March
We mark the passing of El Sistema founder Jose Antonio Abreu and hear more reaction to the proposed restructure at Auckland University’s School of Music. Peter Hoar reviews NZ Opera’s Candide and we…
Conducting in reality, virtually
Have you ever wanted to conduct an orchestra? Now’s your chance through virtual reality. Orchestra Wellington and interactive company MIXT join together to give you a unique view conducting… Audio
Upbeat for Friday 23 March
What’s going on at the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Auckland University’s music department? We review the final few performances at the Auckland Arts Festival, and we conduct a symphony orchestra in…
Talented pianist to make professional debut with CSO
Pianist Tony Chen Lin makes his professional debut with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra this Saturday playing Ravel’s popular Piano Concerto in G. Eva Radich speaks to Tony about recording his… Audio
Classical music for kids
Never work with animals and small children. Someone should have told that to the NZSO! Hamish McKeich conducts, and Chris Lam Sam narrates, A Musical Menagerie – a family concert featuring three… Audio
Upbeat for Thursday 22 March
We find out why Opera Australia is going to the dogs, what nursery rhymes have to do with the NZSO, Pianist Tony Chen Lin talks about working with the CSO and recording his first solo piano disc, and…
Upbeat for Wednesday 21 March
Opera goes to the moon, we mark Race Relations Day, the APO announces its 2018 interns and today’s Famous Five is simply gorgeous.
DSO 2018 full of firsts
The Dunedin Symphony Orchestra’s 2018 season is jam-packed full of highlights. Famous violinist Shlomo Mintz performs in April, the NZ Guitar Quartet make their DSO debut and the orchestra gives the… Audio
Upbeat for Wednesday 14 March
Opera’s joined the #metoo movement; American jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant brings her unique sound to the capital; Dunedin Symphony Orchestra launches its 2018 season and we play another…
Voice and dance combine for Orpheus
The love story of Orpheus and Eurydice is at the heart of Michael Parmenter’s new opera ballet Orpheus, which brings a cast of 58 to the stage. We meet U.S.tenor Aaron Sheehan and Ex Wellington… Audio
Upbeat for Friday 9 March
We take a glimpse at the Readers and Writers fest; then we discover what opera ballet is, and did NZ Opera’s Tosca impress Christchurch crowds? We also play music that brings a smile to your dial.
Upbeat for Thursday 8 March
We celebrate International Women’s Day with NZSO harpist Carolyn Mills, we discuss the importance of Kate Sheppard’s influence on music, and play a wide selection of music composed, performed and…
Gareth Farr fabulous at 50
Leading Kiwi composer Gareth Farr reached an important milestone recently, he turned 50. He reflects on his most memorable creations, his new work Switzerland, where he gets his inspiration from, how… Video, Audio
Six classical Kiwi tunes that define NZ
What classical Kiwi tune defines New Zealand? Upbeat asks the audience. Video
Upbeat for Wednesday 7 March
Gareth Farr’s fabulous at 50: he gives us his career highlights. Pianist Lisa Crawley reveals what’s really going on inside her head when she plays for tips, and we find out the true story behind the…