Upbeat for Wednesday 9 May 2012

12:15 Kristen Darragh

New Zealand mezzo-soprano playing the role of Maddalena in New Zealand Opera's production of Verdi's Rigoletto

Photo: Jane Usher

12:40 Simon Romanos

Upbeat contributor talks about violinist Fritz Kreisler

1pm Arthur Meek

Playwright talks about Richard Meros Salutes The Southern Man, playing Auckland's Herald Theatre from May 19