17 Nov 2021

Behind the scenes at a live orchestral broadcast

From Upbeat, 12:30 pm on 17 November 2021
Backstage at the Lexus Song Quest 2018 (l to r: producer David McCaw, presenter Clarissa Dunn, engineer Darryl Stack)

Backstage at the Lexus Song Quest 2018 (l to r: producer David McCaw, presenter Clarissa Dunn, engineer Darryl Stack) Photo: David McCaw

We’re celebrating 100 years of radio in New Zealand today - it's a century since the first radio programme was broadcast in this country.

To mark the occasion we’re taking a look behind the scenes.

Broadcasting live performances is an important part of what we do here at RNZ Concert, but have you ever wondered what’s actually involved in getting that New Zealand Symphony Orchestra concert to air?

How many people are involved? What sort of preparation is needed? How does the presenter know how long to talk for? What happens when things don’t go to plan?

Upbeat spoke with RNZ Concert’s resident experts, Music Alive host Clarissa Dunn and Senior Music Producer David McCaw.