The reluctant storyteller – Scheherazade like you’ve never heard her before
As the APO prepares to play a New Zealand premiere by the world’s leading composer, RICHARD BETTS looks at the many lives of Scheherazade,
NZTrio concert goes online only
The popular chamber group has been forced into the cloud for their planned Cumulus show, writes Richard Betts.
The Witchdoctor Q&A: Andrew Beer
He's our best classical artist and concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia. RICHARD BETTS has a wide-ranging conversation with Andrew Beer.
Real good, for free
Auckland Chamber Orchestra presents its usual array of interesting music. And it’ll cost you nothing to attend, writes RICHARD BETTS.
NZSO springs into winter
RICHARD BETTS previews a clutch of performances by the NZSO this month.
Let there be light – Luminata Voices
RICHARD BETTS chats with the music director of new women's choir Luminata Voices ahead of its first performance.
NZTrio has head in the clouds
RICHARD BETTS previews NZTrio's daring 2021 season and talks up their Auckland performance this weekend.
NZSO artistically rich but cash poor in 2021
The national orchestra has announced a season notable for Beethoven, Stravinsky and the effects of penury. RICHARD BETTS takes a look.
Monteverdi offers Messiah alternative in December concert
Bach Musica’s year-end concert is a performance of a less well-known but equally impressive alternative to Handel’s Messiah, writes RICHARD BETTS.
Beethoven no bummer in APO’s 2021 season
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra recently revealed its 2021 season to a Town Hall crowd. RICHARD BETTS took notes.
Phoenix Foundation Still Living the Dream
The Phoenix Foundation have just released their first album in five years. RICHARD BETTS interviews singer Samuel Flynn Scott.
This one’s hard to play, folks
The world premiere of composer Gary Kulesha’s Oboe Concerto takes place in Auckland this week. RICHARD BETTS caught up with the person who wrote
New Zealand has voices to go
The doyenne of New Zealand choral singing advises RICHARD BETTS to take opportunities when they arise, whether you think you’re ready or not.
Nadia Reid: the lost interview
In the latest instalment of Witchdoctor’s UNEXPURGATED series, RICHARD BETTS asks Nadia Reid the difficult questions.
NZTrio’s new star recruit interviewed
NZTrio is weathering Covid-19 Level 2 restrictions to perform in Auckland. RICHARD BETTS speaks with pianist Somi Kim.
Young Musicians Claim Top NZSO Awards
The NZSO announces the four winners of the Alex Lindsay Trust prizes.
Michael Norris Q&A – Post-tonal Post-colonial Composition
RICHARD BETTS chats with award-winning NZ composer Michael Norris whose work uses electronics along with the sound of a whale vertebra.
Arts Festival Shows Pandemic-Defying Optimism
Brave or foolhardy? Either way, the organisers of this October's Hawke's Bay Arts Festival are showing true mettle, reports RICHARD BETTS.
Pandemic Brings Opera Stars to Local Stage
RICHARD BETTS details post-Covid activities in the classical realm and finds that things are warming up nicely.
Barok’n’Roll
RICHARD BETTS catches up with period-instrument orchestra NZ Barok ahead of their forthcoming concert of quartets by Mozart and Boccherini.
