The week beginning 9 July 2012

Monday: Composers of the Week

Woody Guthrie and the Protest Song

The songs of Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) provided a soundtrack for the American Depression years, telling tales of Dustbowl hardship and the seemingly never-ending class struggle. William Dart presents an introduction to the music and influence of this seminal figure (RNZ)

Wednesday: Brian Kay's Light Music

Three programmes

(2) Signature Tunes (RNZ)

Thursday: Lexus Song Quest 2012

The Semi-Finals

Four programmes

(3) Rodney Macann introduces a set of semi-finalists in New Zealand's premier singing competition, each singing two items, Marlena Devoe (sop), Kawiti Waetford (bar), Isabella Moore (sop), Moses Mackay (bbar), Grace Park (sop), and Amitai Pati (ten) (RNZ) (Programme 4 on Saturday at 7.00pm)

Friday: The Critic’s Chair (RNZ)

Thomas Goss reviews recent releases (RNZ)