Upbeat

Auckland composer Chris Artley is winning choral composition competitions. He’s just won the first Leeds Philharmonic Christmas Carol Competition for his carol Christmas Bells. And he was also First… Read more Audio

The Puawai Festival is helping bring awareness and reduce the stigma of HIV through performance, education, song and laughter. It’s been a labour of love for Jane Bruning, the National Coordinator for… Read more Audio

Violinist Fiona Pears returns to Christchurch for her first major concert since 2011. Her last big gig there was three days before the February 22^nd earthquake when she played the Isaac Theatre Royal… Read more Audio

New Zealand School of Dance graduate Hayley Stevenson analyses the school's 50th anniversary performance. Read more

Reality TV shows become a musical reality for kiwi composer Chris Williams. The Quest pokes fun at reality talent shows, taking the audience backstage to experience what it’s really like fighting for… Read more Audio

The image of an ice skater inspired the opening oscillation of the strings for Ice, Kirsten Strom’s addition to this year’s Todd Young Composer Awards. The artist, poet, street performer and young… Read more Audio

Voices NZ is this country’s leading professional chamber choir and in 2018 they’re taking their talent on tour to top locations in England and Europe. They’ll also make a special trip to Canada where… Read more Audio

When composer Rod Biss heard the main nesting grounds of one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds was under imminent threat of being developed into dozens of expensive houses and a golf course, he… Read more Video, Audio

Irish music holds a special place in many of our hearts, and is growing in popularity with new, young audiences in the UK, Europe and America.  Lankum is an Irish band formerly known as Lynched, who… Read more Audio

Young jazz vocalist Lauren Nottingham features on pianist Mark Donlon’s latest album Shadowbird and the two are touring the country with drummer Dexter Stanley-Tauvao and bassist Chris Beernink to… Read more Audio

West Auckland born Rosita Hendry is touring the country as part of contemporary  French Canadian company  Cirque Éloize. Rosita has had a very fast route to top level performance after seeing a show… Read more Audio

Musical theatre legend Helen Medlyn doesn’t set out to steal the show, but in the past few years she’s landed the parts that shine in the spotlight. Most have a vile edge – but this time she’s… Read more Audio