12:15 American minimalist pioneer Philip Glass is in the country for the New Zealand International Arts Festival - performing Book of Longing - his collaborative work with songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen.

12:50 Upbeat contributor Zoe Drayton takes us through the work of experimental NZ musician Lovely Midget.

1:10 Norman Meehan review's last night's New Zealand International Arts Festival performance by the New York based Absolute Ensemble - Absolute Arabian Nights.

1:30 British cellist Richard Harwood is in the country to perform a series of concerts with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.