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Auckland soprano Morag Atchison stands out among a dazzling cast in Opera NZ's Barber of Seville. Photo / David Rowland

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Opera review: The Barber of Seville

8 Jun, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Barber of Seville is cutting edge comic opera, says William Dart thrilled by NZ Opera show

Violinist James Ehnes is always a popular addition to the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Photo/Benjamin Ealovega

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Classical review: James Ehnes absolutely assured with APO

3 Jun, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Violinist James Ehnes energises Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, says William Dart

Russian virtuoso Denis Kozhukhin joined the NZ Symphony Orchestra for its Love Eternal performances.

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Classical review: NZSO shows eternal love for composing greats

28 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The NZ Symphony Orchestra's "love eternal" a revelation, writes William Dart.

Youthful soprano Te Ohorere Williams brought charm and wit to birthday celebrations for senior NZ composer John Rimmer. Photo/Andi Crown

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Classical review: one of our greatest composers turns 80

28 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

A birthday celebration for one of NZ's greatest composers is a welcome present.

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Man, Sitting in a Garden has potential to grow

17 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

New New Zealand music blossoms at writers festival, writes William Dart.

The Brodsky Quartet were in fine form during an Auckland concert. Photo/Martina Simkovicova.

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Brodskys serve up feast of fugue

15 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Adventurous musical quartet bring some classic moves to town, writes William Dart.

Cellist Umberto Clerici brought a touch of magic to the APO and Elgar's Cello Concerto.

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APO plays triple treat with gusto

13 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra amazes with cello concerto, writes William Dart.

The expertise of conductor Uwe Grodd saw skillfully balanced massed and solo voices in Auckland Choral's first 2019 concert.

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Review: Auckland Choral in fine voice

6 May, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Choral's first 2019 performance is a triumph, writes William Dart.

Templar Great Classics series provided a stirring Easter journey through the music of Bach and Handel, chosen and conducted by Sofi Jeannin.

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APO delivers a stirring Easter journey

22 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's annual choral concert a stunning Easter journey.

Pianist Joyce Yang gave an exuberant and fully-committed performance of Brahms' First Piano Concerto. Photo / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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NZSO plays the music of love

15 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

NZ Symphony Orchestra delivers a fine romance defying expectations, writes William Dart.

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Choral joy has some patches in Bach Mass

10 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Concert cuts detract from perfect performances, writes William Dart.

Soloist Alessio Bax with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Photo / Adrian Malloch

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Classical review: APO presents brooding, beautiful landscapes

8 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra takes audiences from concert hall to glorious landscapes.

American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham was in stellar form when she performed with the NZ Symphony Orchestra in Auckland.

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Classical review: NZSO shows its star power

1 Apr, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Star power makes NZ Symphony Orchestra concert out of this world, writes William Dart.

Turangalila Symphonie, above, is a masterpiece of 20th century music featuring more than 100 musicians. Photo / Supplied

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Classical review: APO's Turangalila Symphony triumph

25 Mar, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra does full justice to rarely-performed grand composition.

The Silk Road Ensemble makes music borne out of cultural differences. Photo / Liz Linder

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Classical review: Silkroad Ensemble travels well

16 Mar, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Silkroad Ensemble takes listeners on a first-class musical journey, writes William Dart.

Cartoon play and visuals in The Magic Flute echoes everything from Weimar expressionism to Disney and Monty Python, making for a visually stunning and inventive production.

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Classical review: Endlessly inventive Magic Flute hooks audiences to the silver screen

10 Mar, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Arts Festival pulls off major coup getting wild and wonderful Magic Flute to Auckland.

Cellist Gabriel Schwabe was one of three soloists who turned in exquisite performances at Beethoven's Triple. Photo/Giorgia Bertazzi

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Classical review: APO triples the enjoyment

4 Mar, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Beethoven and Bruckner, composers worlds apart, attract impressive numbers to APO.

NZSO associate conductor Hamish McKeich led NZ Symphony Orchestra audiences on a merry journey through music.

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Classical review: NZSO heads off on a classical journey

27 Feb, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The NZ Symphony Orchestra goes on a classical journey; an NZ musical stopover is missed.

Musical Postcards had conductor Giordano Bellincampi jumping for joy - and audience hearts leapt with him. Photo / Adrian Malloch.

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Hearts soared as maestro treads air

25 Feb, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

From Paris to New York, via Spain, the APO delivered a true musical postcard.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is back in action for 2019. Photo / Adrian Malloch

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Fantasy start for Auckland Philharmonia

18 Feb, 2019 5:00am
2 minutes to read

COMMENT: Much to delight in during APO's first full concert of 2019.

Auckland Choral conductor Uwe Grodd. Photo / Dean Carruthers

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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

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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.