Latest from Weekend magazine

Islands of colour mixed media and visual invention

Much exciting contemporary art aims not to promote meaning or message but rather to engage the eye with new visual experience.

An alternative assessment of real life

Fifteen seconds: according to a number of surveys, that's the amount of time the "average" viewer spends looking at a painting and accompanying text.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra: From a musical paint box

The title of the first concert of APO's Bayleys Great Classics series was a giveaway: a "Grand Tour", firmly locked into a European itinerary.

Matakana: A vineyard in 'Tuscany'

Helen Van Berkel discovers the perfect place for Mother's Day - or any special occasion.

Dance company Lumina touring North Island

Taking dance to provinces and to the young is company focus.

Science activities you can try at home

The universe is your oyster with these "try this at home" activities, writes Sarah Ell.

Beauty on the inside comes out

One of the most popular exhibitions at the Mairangi Arts Centre, on Auckland's North Shore, is now on.

What's on this long Anzac weekend

Comedian's son following in his dad's funny footsteps

Comedian Paul Ego has passed on the gift of the gab to his boy Gabe. Father and son talk to Dionne Christian

Tim Bray's love letter to Auckland

Tim Bray appreciates the past of Auckland's theatre industry and how it has become home.

Tom, Huck play up

Album review: Rhinemaidens (Harmonia Mundi)

Male choirs can have an advantage over their female counterparts when it comes to octaves, but women's voices in harmony have always had a unique appeal for composers.

Sharing the love in the music

I'm tempted to borrow a phrase from French composer Francoise Sagan and greet Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich with a cheery "Aimez-vous Brahms?" as the couple are about to play Sagan's Double Concerto.

T.J. McNamara: Take your pick: Vision and colour

Works of two established artists and a newcomer grace Auckland venues this month.

What's on this weekend

Your school holiday survival guide

The guide for those who want to avoid children over the school holidays and the guide for those who do. And can't.

Get outta town for the school holidays

Sarah Ell takes a look at school holiday options outside the city, offering action, art, surf and a sanctuary.

Artists strive to take Basement to the top

Last year, it staged 111 shows - 62 in its regular programme, 23 in the Fringe, 26 in the NZ Comedy Festival and more than 100 "other" events.