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Auckland Choral conductor Uwe Grodd. Photo / Dean Carruthers

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: Auckland Choral's brilliant 100th Messiah celebration

19 Dec, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Choral's Messiah a glorious celebration of a century-old tradition.

Simon O'Neill, pictured here at the 2017 Lakeside concert in Rotorua, was in splendid voice during an appearance with Bach Musica. Photo / Stephen Parker

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Christmas concert a real classic

5 Dec, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Bach Musica NZ's Christmas Surprise concert was a seasonal delight, writes William Dart.

Violinist Amalia Hall performs at the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: APO - 'A Woman's Place'

3 Dec, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

'A Woman's Place' highlights much to celebrate from our female composers and musicians.

Soloists soprano Madeliene Pierard, mezzo-soprano Kristin Darragh, tenor Simon O'Neill and bass Anthony Robin Schneider soar alongside the NZSO. Photo/Stephen A'Court

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Evening offers a masterly mix

28 Nov, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Beethoven remains box office gold, says William Dart as the NZSO rounds off its 2018 year

Soloist Abigail Sperling persuaded Auckland Chamber Orchestra Concert-goers to surrender to the sound of Alex Taylor's new composition.

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ACO keeps it Kiwi for year-ender

28 Nov, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The Auckland Chamber Orchestra is part of what makes life worth living, says William Dart.

Seasoned lieder singer Thomas E. Bauer turned in an exquisite performance alongside the APO. Photo/ Marco Borggreve

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A truly diverting night in Vienna

19 Nov, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

APO winds down for 2018 with a diverting night in Vienna, writes William Dart.

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Classical review: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

12 Nov, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Gustav Mahler's Seventh has been described as the Cinderella of the composer's symphonies.

Giordano Bellincampi s handling of Don Juan captured the mood of the APO s Free Spirit concert. Photo / Adrian Malloch

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Orchestra splendidly sets its spirits free

5 Nov, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

REVIEW: Conductor's work with Richard Strauss' Don Juan certainly fitted the bill.

Violinist Ioana Cristina Goicea put her own stamp on an extraordinary score when she performed with the APO. Photo / Mikel Hoyle

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Classical review: APO shows power and brilliance

29 Oct, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

APO performs two 20th century masterpieces with zest, writes William Dart.

The NZSO Orchestra presented <i>Lars Vogt plays Mozart</i> at the Auckland Town Hall over the weekend. Photo / Paul Estcourt

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All-Viennese evening away to fiery start

29 Oct, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

REVIEW: When it came to concerto time, Vogt's conception of Mozart wasn't for all.

Concert goers were in safe hands with pianist Piers Lane. Photo/Keith Saunders

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Classic review: Piers Lane and Hiroshi Ikematsu

20 Oct, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Chamber Music New Zealand finishes 2018 on a friendly note, writes William Dart.

Cellist Johannes Moser played Shostakovich with the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

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Classical review: NZ Symphony Orchestra

9 Oct, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Cellist Johannes Moser's performance is one of the highlights of 2018 concert year.

Gwilym Bowen's Evangelist achieved divo status during APO's performance of St Matthew Passion. Photo / Benjamin Ealovega

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Passion for Bach shows through

8 Oct, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Bach's retelling of the Passion of Christ is as powerful as ever in APO's hands.

Chinese conductor Xian Zhang is fascinating to watch, arms outstretched and a source of inexhaustible energy. Photo / File

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Classical Review: Russian Tales, APO

30 Sep, 2018 6:28pm
2 minutes to read

REVIEW: APO underscores its reputation with Russian composers.

Ashley Brown, Benjamin Baker and Stephen De Pledge featured in NZTrio's latest concert. Photo/Tai Nelson

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Classical review: NZTrio, Braid

27 Sep, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

NzTrio play fine tribute to female composers, writes William Dart.

Vladimir Balshin (left), Sergei Lomovsky, Igor Naidin and Ruben Aharonian gave a highly charged performance.

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Sublime quartet dive deep into Russia's soul

18 Sep, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The programme reflected the musicians' Russian homeland.

Thomas Atkins and Marlena Devoe are memorable as the doomed lovers Rodolfo and Mimi in La boheme. Photo / David Rowland

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Opera review: La boheme not to be missed

17 Sep, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Poignancy and pathos perfectly balanced in must-see La boheme, writes William Dart.

Conductor Hamish McKeich. Photo / Supplied

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Plenty to love in Classical Hits

10 Sep, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra takes the show on the road.

NZSO music director Edo de Waart. Photo / Stephen A'Court

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Stravinsky and Rachmaninov in NZSO duet

31 Aug, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

William Dart sings the praises of NZ Symphony Orchestra's Edo de Waart.

Madison Nonoa, above, and Filipe Manu impressed as the star-crossed lovers.

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Romeo and Juliet tale fast-paced and thrilling

27 Aug, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Story of star-crossed lovers told with emotional urgency and exquisite singing.

Auckland Chamber Orchestra paid homage to composer John Elmsly in its latest concert.

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Classical review: Memorable insights into John Elmsly's musical world

15 Aug, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Musical world of composer John Elmsly revealed by Auckland Chamber Orchestra.

Pianist Henry Wong Doe ably coped with the challenges of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto.

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Review: Rachmaninov Piano Concerto 2, APO

13 Aug, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Pianist Henry Wong Doe soars with Rachmaninov's popular Second Piano Concerto.

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Best of Quest our stars of tomorrow

30 Jul, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Lexus Song Quest has a special place in our musical calendar and ongoing cultural history.

Spanish conductor Jaime Martin and the NZSO acknowledge the audience in Palmerston North on Friday. Photo / Supplied

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Jaime Martin, NZSO deliver symphonic feast

23 Jul, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Jaime Martin and NZSO have fun with Shostakovich's Festive Overture, writes William Dart.

Maria Luigia Borsi portrayed a vulnerable Aida.

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Aida an entertaining night at the opera

23 Jul, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Antonello Palombi won hearts with his rapturous "Celeste Aida", writes William Dart.

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Bellincampi serves up delectable slice of Danish

16 Jul, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Giordano Bellincampi launched APO's Beethoven 7 concert with a welcome taste of Danish.

Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Photo / Supplied

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Curious fare from Harth-Bedoya

2 Jul, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

NZSO and conductor Harth-Bedoya came to town with a curious (and rather short) programme.

Violinist Stefan Jackiw. Photo/Sophie Zhai

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Classical review: NZ Symphony Orchestra

27 Jun, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The evening was entitled Brahms & Tchaikovsky, but NZ composer Gareth Farr shone.

The Heath Quartet (from left) Chris Murray, Oliver Heath, Sara Wolstenholme and Gary Pomperoy.

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Chamber music at divine best

25 Jun, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The programme opened with three chorale preludes from Bach's Orgel-buchlein.

Austrian clarinetist Andreas Ottensamer. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

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Austrian clarinetist ultimate in cool

25 Jun, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Weber's F minor concerto might have been written to showcase this man's talent for lithe.

The music of local composer Helen Bowater featured in Auckland Chamber Orchestra's most recent composer portrait concert.

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Classical review: Auckland Chamber Orchestra

20 Jun, 2018 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

Auckland Chamber Orchestra captures those who catch the spirit of NZ in music. music.

Simon O'Neill let every note soar above the orchestra. Photo / Stephen Parker

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NZSO review: O'Neill is our dream Heldentenor

11 Jun, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

From mysterious opening horn call to colourful string textures, this was NZSO in top form.

Morgan Pearse (Belcore) is greeted by Amina Edris (Adina) in a dazzling scene from The Elixir of Love. Photo/Simon Watts.

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Opera review: The Elixir of Love works its magic

1 Jun, 2018 4:00pm
2 minutes to read

NZ Opera's The Elixir of Love is first-class entertainment, writes William Dart.

Mezzo-soprano Bianca Andrew shone during Chamber New Zealand's most recent performance.

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Classical review: Chamber Music NZ

22 May, 2018 5:45pm
2 minutes to read

Chamber Music NZ join renowned US critic and stunning soloists on brave new venture.

Gemma New is a young New Zealander making a mark in North America. Photo / 123RF

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Conductor making her mark in US

21 May, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Overture: Aotearoa launches with one of the first of three women conductors this season.

Cellist Li-Wei Qin, a crowd favourite, returned to the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to perform in The Planets.

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Classical review: APO soars high for The Planets tribute

15 May, 2018 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

The music of the spheres took centre stage at glittering APO performance.

Phantasm (clockwise from left) Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, Laurence Dreyfus, Joanthan Manson and Emilia Benjamin provided an immersive concert experience.

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Classical review: Phantasm works it magic on town hall crowd

2 May, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Reviewer William Dart delights in power of historic music group to move audiences.

Grammy Award-winning singer Sasha Cooke's NZSO performance will rate as one of the best of 2018.

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Classical review: NZSO Masterworks

24 Apr, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

It's April but NZSO concert sees one of the year's best performances, says William Dart.

The APO performs NZ composer Ross Harris's new work, Face.

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Enigma concert fills the house

23 Apr, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

One sensed justifiable pride when APO CEO announced Enigma concert had drawn a full house.

Composer Anthony Ritchie says his Gallipoli to the Somme is quietly anti-war.

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Choral review: Gallipoli to the Somme

17 Apr, 2018 10:30am
2 minutes to read

The choral work Gallipoli to the Somme is a fine addition to NZ works inspired by WWI.

Pianist Ingrid Fliter. Photo / Susie Ahlburg

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Classical review: APO - A night of firsts

16 Apr, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

APO's international commission a first time success, writes William Dart

US-based Dutch conductor Edo de Waart. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Mozart-Mahler mix NZSO winner

9 Apr, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The unruffled classicism is an effective foil for the emotions of Mahler's Symphony.

Nicholas Forbes was in fine voice during Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir's Sonic Silos performance. Photo / Calvin Baker

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Music review: Voices NZ Chamber Choir

28 Mar, 2018 1:30pm
2 minutes to read

Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir's sonic silo a seductive experience, says William Dart.

Candide is the ultimate ill-fated operetta.

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Review: Sparkle aplenty in festival finale

26 Mar, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Arts Festival could not have wished for a more festive finale.

None of the many revisitings of The Four Seasons has been as extreme as Max Richter's.

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Max Richter's radical take on Vivaldi

20 Mar, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

No revisiting has been anywhere near as radical as Richter's.

Phil Dadson, artist/musician, leads From Scratch's much-anticipated return. New Zealand Herald Photograph: Michael Craig.

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Music review: From Scratch in good heart

16 Mar, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Avant-garde ensemble From Scratch take fans on a trip to savour, writes William Dart.

The King's Singers bring vocal sheen and expertise to their music. Photo: Marco Borggreve

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Classical review: The King's Singers rule supreme

13 Mar, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Classiest of boy bands shows how pop anthems become secular anthems, writes William Dart

Veronika Eberle perforrmed composer Schumann's 1853 violin concerto with the APO for its Love Letters concert.

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APO's Love letters of musical wonders

26 Feb, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Irresistible songs of sunlight, sky and life make for magical evening, writes William Dart

Music director Giordano Bellincampi's stamp was all over the APO's 2018 opening concert, Bellincampi Bavouzet Beethoven. Photo: Adrian Malloch

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Classical review: APO opens 2018 season in style

19 Feb, 2018 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra ushers in 2018 with a rousing start, says William Dart.

Conductor Uwe Grodd led Auckland Choral's Messiah, praising the power of music to bring people together.

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Concert year ends with rousing send-off

22 Dec, 2017 11:48am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Choral's Messiah thrilling end to 2017 classical concert year, says William Dart.

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Thrills and chills at APO year-ender

19 Dec, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

William Dart reviews Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's Celebrate Christmas.

William Dart names his top 10 classical CDs of 2017.

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William Dart picks his top 10 classical CDs of 2017

18 Dec, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

William Dart rounds up his top classical music CDs for 2017 in time for Xmas gift buying.

Soprano Madeleine Pierard celebrates Christmas with the APO this weekend.

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Christmas concerts bring acclaimed soprano home

13 Dec, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Promise of family Christmas brings soprano Madeleine Pierard home to perform with the APO.

Solosist Luca Manghi impressed in Bach Musica NZ's final concert of 2017

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Classical review: Bach Musica NZ

12 Dec, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Bach Musica NZ ends a successful 2017 with concert of pleasing delights, says William Dart

Debussy: Sonatas and Piano Trio (Rattle, through Ode Records)

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William Dart reviews latest classical CDs

9 Dec, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Music by Debussy and Wagner shows the strength of Kiwi musicians, says William Dart.

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Wonderfully edgy doom on dark side

28 Nov, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

William Dart reviews Auckland Chamber Orchestra's final concert of the year.

Requiem for the Fallen (Atoll, through Ode Records)

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William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

25 Nov, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Requiem for the Fallen, superb choral tribute to Kiwi sacrifices on European battlefields.

Viva Voce has been entertaining Aucklanders for 30 years.

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Classical review: Viva Voce

22 Nov, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland-based chamber choir Viva Voce continues its fine form, writes William Dart

Conductor Giordano Bellincampi. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Review: Mahler riches crown series finale

20 Nov, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Sprightly tunes and triple-time ingenuity offering a piquant preview of Mahler yet to come

Evgeny Kissin: Beethoven (Deutsche Grammophon)

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William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

18 Nov, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Russian pianist makes an eccentric return to Deutsche Grammophon fold, says William Dart.

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Classical review: NZSO farewells 2017 in style

16 Nov, 2017 10:33am
2 minutes to read

The NZ Symphony Orchestra saved its best till last in a superb 2017, says William Dart.

Swedish soprano Lisa Larsson joins the APO in Auckland on Thursday evening.

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Soprano and APO in heavenly harmony

15 Nov, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Sweden's Lisa Larsson sings the songs of lush and decadent romance when she joins the APO.