Features

A dazzling real-life French actress of the 18th century inspired this week's opera from the Met. Anna Netrebko takes the title role in Adriana Lecouvreur, on RNZ Concert from 6pm.

Opinion - Playing games with the democratic process is the last thing New Zealand politicians need to be doing, writes Ryan Jones.

William Dart looks at the splendid new album celebrating the Christchurch songwriter, Al Park … featuring cover versions by Jordan Luck, Marlon Williams, Delaney Davidson, Anthea Struthers and others. Video, Audio

A sultry and soulful storyteller; Dianne Reeves's unique jazz stylings reflect a pure and heart-felt love of music. Enjoy some soul time with one of the most-awarded female jazz vocalists of the times.

Richter City Rebels are an ensemble band all about Mardi Gras. They join Jesse Mulligan from RNZ's Wellington studio with horns, percussion and vocals. Video, Audio

Six hundred years ago, the great Polynesian waka Tākitimu landed on barren, windswept Waikawa (Portland Island). Today its main visitors are DOC staff checking on the critically endangered shore plover. Audio

Predictions for WOMAD, a new album from Tiny Ruins and jazz from Marc-André Hamelin all feature in this week's 'Pick and Mix' selection.

Beloved Kiwi folk singer Nadia Reid released her third album later this year. She previews a song from it – about a New Years Eve in Levin. Video, Audio

In a recent episode, the NPR podcast Planet Money looked at how our government changed the way many other countries run their economies. The Two Cents' Worth team found it too good not to share. Audio

We offer hymns from the 10th to 21st centuries today, including Stuart Townend's To you we bring our hymn of praise written in collaboration with Matt Maher and Kelly Minter in 2007. Audio

Open your ears to Laurie Anderson & Kronos's Grammy-winning 'Landfall'; Psathas's 'Three Psalms', NZ experimental electronic music by Emi Pogoni and Flo Wilson; and an interview with Wilco guitarist Nels Cline.

With a significant number of NZ homes under increasing threat from sea level rise, our response to the effects of climate change is lagging dangerously, a researcher says. Audio

We're proud to bring you the Grand Opening Concert of the 2019 Adam Chamber Music Festival recorded in Nelson earlier this month.

In honour of Blue Note Records’ 80^th birthday, Nick presents a highlights reel of the best in 1950s and 60s Blue Note jazz.

Analysis - New Zealand MPs were at each other's throats after a selection committee cancellation on Wednesday. Daniela Maoate-Cox explores how they work.

Sixteen-year-old Shuan Hern Lee plays a recital of piano music including the Bach/Busoni Chaconne at the 2018 Kerikeri International Piano Competition.

Hear from Lucy Dacus, Welsh songstress Cate Le Bon, Christchurch maestro Al Park, blues man CW Stoneking, teenage dirtbag rockers The Chats, and Lydia Cole shares heartfelt songs live in the studio.

Halving the amount of meat and sugar we eat will save the planet from further environmental degradation, feed millions who go hungry and we'll be healthier for it, a new report says. Audio

Analysis - The government does its best to pretend China isn't giving us the cold shoulder - does the party need to start worrying? writes Peter Wilson.

As Auckland radio station 95bFM marks half a century of pushing the boundaries for new music, take a listen to our doco exploring the evolution of student radio in New Zealand. (Because not ALL other radio stations are s***).

Our Changing World - The distinctive New Zealand accent and why young women lead the way in the evolution of a uniquely Kiwi way of talking. Audio

Despite his music career being ten years in the doldrums and his crimes relatively minor, Scribe has featured a dozen times in news articles this last year, Gareth Shute looks at the media's obsession with the troubled rapper.

Here are two orchestral classics available for free download so you can listen anywhere, anytime.

Phil Bell, AKA DJ Sir Vere, is a huge figure in Aotearoa’s musical history, from 95bFM’s True School Hip Hop Show,  to shaping the sound of Mai FM. Phil talks about five favourite tracks, and why they mean so much. Video, Audio