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

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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)

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: NZSO with Joyce Yang

14 Nov, 2017 4:44pm
2 minutes to read

Russian composer Rachmaninov's music can still speak to our collective heart.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: Flair to fore in Masters class

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

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra might have been a further instalment of German Masters.

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

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

Young English string quartet salutes Hungarian master with style, writes William Dart.

Anthony Ritchie is one of New Zealand's busiest composers.

ENTERTAINMENT

Music reflects the children we once were

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

Anthony Ritchie is one of our busiest composers; his new music reflects on simpler times.

Blackbird Ensemble artistic director Claire Cowan's arrangements of Bjork's music expose the human heart of these ballads.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: Blackbird Ensemble brings the love to Bjork

9 Nov, 2017 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

Hip chamber orchestra makes magic with Bjork's music, writes William Dart.

Composer Brett Dean's Fire Music provided a rousing performance.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: APO Fire Music

8 Nov, 2017 11:30am
2 minutes to read

Composer Brett Dean's Fire Music provides orchestral highlight, writes William Dart.

Lyell Cresswell, The Art of Black & White (Rattle, through Ode Records)

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical music CDs

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

Musical interpretations of painting techniques delivered with charisma and charm.

ENTERTAINMENT

Head and heart in perfect balance for concerto

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

Once the youngest in a prestigious global competition, pianist Joyce Yang is back in NZ.

Composer Brett Dean's Fire Music features moments of mystery and menace.

ENTERTAINMENT

Composition blazes with mystery and menace

30 Oct, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Out of tragedy has come a triumphant piece of music which celebrates hope and new life.

Michael Houstoun, Trois (Rattle, through Ode Records)

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

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

NZ pianist Michael Houstoun makes a stylish French connection, writes William Dart.

Anna Netrebko and husband Yusif Eyvazov's love duets blurred reality with opera's fantasy world.

ENTERTAINMENT

Operatic star shows why she's one of greats

23 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The Russian soprano revealed why Anna Netrebko is one of the great voices of today.

Michael Houstoun brought NZ composer Lyell Cresswell's new piano concerto to life during the APO's Prokofiev 5 concert.

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the APO's Prokofiev 5 concert

23 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

APO and Michael Houstoun fire up NZ composer Lyell Cresswell's new piano concerto.

Frances Moore, from UnstuckOpera, says The Winterreise Project is about her breaking up with the world.

ENTERTAINMENT

Opera review: Winterreise Project is not to be missed

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

A radical take-down of the mad world we live In is compelling opera, writes William Dart.

Anna Netrebko says feeling the magic that comes from pairing her voice with that of her husband Yusif Eyvazov is a joy.

ENTERTAINMENT

Superstar certain to dazzle in sole outing

17 Oct, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Russian diva and tenor husband with APO are sure to be magic night.

ENTERTAINMENT

Conductor's hyper energy whips up orchestral display

16 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Conductor James Judd was the perfect guide for the NZSO's Travels in Italy concert.

Michael Houstoun brings NZ composer Lyell Cresswell's new piano concerto to life.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bach continues to inspire NZ composer

16 Oct, 2017 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Award-winning contemporary classical composer Lyell Cresswell's new work lands this week.

Imani Winds is one of the world's hippest chamber music groups thanks to a blend of traditional and contemporary world music.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: Imani Winds

15 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Imani Winds shows why it is one of the hippest chamber music groups.

Bach Trios (Nonesuch) is spruced with taste and style.

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

13 Oct, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Modern masters find inspiration in early music, writes William Dart.

ENTERTAINMENT

Mezzo makes Dvorak's psalms glow

10 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Raglan mezzo Sarah Court gave one of the season's most memorable performances.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: APO New Directions

9 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Pushing boundaries, breaking rules and innovating, APO's New Directions was fantastic.

Imani Winds quintet has blown through classical concert halls, countering any notion that the music is light and fluffy.

ENTERTAINMENT

Imani Winds blow into Auckland

6 Oct, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Imani Winds is not a weather system but a musical quintet storming classical concert halls

Voices NZ Chamber Choir led by the world-renowned conductor Karen Grylls.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: Voices NZ Chamber Choir

3 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Voices NZ Chamber Choir's WWI commemoration a powerful experience, writes William Dart.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performed German Masters with unflagging energy and fire.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: APO - German Masters

2 Oct, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The APO German Masters show how music can bring unity to Europe, writes William Dart.

Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto & Symphony No.5 (Harmonia Mundi, through Ode Records)

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William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

30 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Violinist and baroque band give Mendelssohn a memorable makeover, writes William Dart.

Composer Victoria Kelly says the Unusual Silence, a tribute to WWI soldiers who never returned home, as stirring unexpected emotions.

ENTERTAINMENT

Voices of war to echo in Silence

29 Sep, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

It's an NZ choral work called The Unusual Silence but it will heard across the world.

French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet opens the APO's New Zealand Herald premier series in February.

ENTERTAINMENT

APO prepares to swing into 2018

23 Sep, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Auckland's orchestra will shine spotlight on masterworks and strong women in 2018 season.

Pianist Freddy Kempf also conducts on the Pianomania tour with the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

ENTERTAINMENT

Classical review: NZ Symphony Orchestra Pianomania

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

The NZ Symphony Orchestra's Pianomania concerts with Freddy Kempf are proving popular.

Katya Kabanova has shifted from 1860s' Russia to 1950s' America and has a filmic quality about it. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Opera of doomed passion not to be missed

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

There are no operatic frills or flamboyance in New Zealand Opera's Katya Kabanova.

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

16 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Pianist Nelson Freire brings the wisdom of age to Brahms, writes William Dart.

ENTERTAINMENT

Pianist Freddy Kempf a one-man band?

13 Sep, 2017 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Freddy Kempf usually gets standing ovations; now the pianist turns his hand to new skills.

ENTERTAINMENT

Violin and piano in thrilling partnership

13 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Bella Hristova and Michael Houstoun are a partnership of rare sympathy and accord.

What: Carolyn Mills, Preludes & Romances (Atoll, through Ode Records)

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews the latest classical CDs

9 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

NZ harpist Carolyn Mills' new CD forges French-Kiwi connections, writes William Dart.

A scene from the Australian production, The Elixir of Love, which NZ Opera will stage in 2018.

ENTERTAINMENT

Italian feast for opera lovers

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

New Zealand Opera is bringing home our stars in 2018, writes William Dart.

Michael Houstoun, Diabelli Variations (Rattle, through Ode Records)

ENTERTAINMENT

William Dart reviews latest classical CDs

6 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

A new CD captures the Herculean challenge pianist Michael Houstoun set to mark his 60th.

Clare Hood's vocal work in the edgy I give you back dazzled with its many shades of speech and song. Photo / Supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Concert a feast for the sense

5 Sep, 2017 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Karlheinz Company's annual concert is always a highlight of the year.