Madeleine Pierard and Eric Renick 

Madeleine Pierard

Madeleine Pierard, soprano soloist for the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra April Concert Photo: Robert Cato

Tonight at Auckland Arts Festival will be the first time John Adams' opera Nixon in China has been performed here.   New Zealand Opera's production features international stars alongside New Zealand's best, including Soprano Madeleine Pierard who plays Pat Nixon, accompanying her husband President Nixon on his ground breaking trip to meet Chairman Mao. Eric Renick Principal Percussionist in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra tells Tim Dodd the score has many challenges.

 

Emma Fraser and Peter Adams

Peter Adams, Dunedin conductor and Music Professor

Peter Adams, Dunedin conductor and Music Professor Photo: University of Otago

Dunedin born Soprano Emma Fraser

Dunedin born Soprano Emma Fraser Photo: Supplied

Soprano Emma Fraser and Conductor Peter Adams are back working together as part of Opera Otago's 60th anniversary this weekend. Both musicians have a long history with the Dunedin based opera company.

 

Dione Joseph

Changes, a new dance show by Black Grace

Changes, a new dance show by Black Grace Photo: Supplied

Dione Joseph reviews Changes, the world premiere of two dance works by choreographers Neil Ieremia and Kuik Swee Boon: Change and Constancy choreographed by Kuik Swee Boon and Another letter from Earth by Neil Ieremia.  This is the first time a visiting choreographer has worked with Black Grace, and celebrates the company’s 20th anniversary. It's also part of the Asia Pacific Dance Project, an Auckland Arts Festival initiative bringing choreographers from the Asia Pacific Region together to create and present work.