Eva Radich
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Larry Koonse
The Wellington Jazz festival in mid-winter featured a collection of artists from the US, including guitarist Larry Koonse. We spoke to him in June about what it was like recording at Abbey studios… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Chris Booth
Chris Booth is a sculptor and environmental artist who makes work for specific communities. The works are installations of made from stone and natural materials. His inspiration comes from the place… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 - Benson Wilson
Auckland baritone Benson Wilson took away first prize in the 2016 Lexus song quest in July ahead of Tenor Filipe Manu, and soprano Madison Nonoa. Judge Yvonne Kenny described Benson as the complete… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 - Christina Conrad
Christina Conrad is a New Zealand born feminist, outsider artist, filmmaker, poet and performer was always way ahead of her time in her exposure of convention, prejudice, injustice and the chauvinism… Video, Audio
Combining culture and landscapes
European philosophy, Japanese culture, modernist architecture and New Zealand Landscapes run deep in the work of the late potter, James Greig. A retrospective of his work is on display at the Dowse… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Johannes Moser
Global adventurer German-Canadian cellist Johannes Moser spends his time playing with some of most renowned symphony orchestras internationally. But he also has his feet on the ground, realizing just… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Allen Vizzutti
Back in August, US trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti toured the country with the Roger Fox Big Band and NZSO. He can play anything being equally at home in classical and jazz work. Allen talks about how… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Hudson and Halls
Before reality shows like Masterchef, New Zealand’s own Hudson and Halls were whipping up very questionable cooking and making audiences around the country laugh. Considered trailblazers, Peter Hudson… Audio
In Search of the Great Composers
Cynthia Morahan takes us on a journey through a five DVD collection by British documentary maker Phil Grabsky where he sets out to discover what made great composers Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and… Audio
Best of Upbeat 2016 – Roger Hall
There’s no business like show business. Just ask playwright Roger Hall who released his latest comedy outing Last Legs in September, 40 years on from his very first play. The season at Circa went so…
Best of Upbeat 2016 - Nicola Benedetti and cellist Leonard Elschenbroich
Earlier this year violinist Nicola Benedetti and cellist Leonard Elschenbroich played the Brahms double concerto with the NZSO round the country. Upbeat spoke to the couple about the joys and…
Famous mezzo to teach in NZ
One of the world’s most famous mezzo sopranos is coming to teach at the New Zealand Opera School in Wanganui in the New Year. Della Jones will spend two weeks passing on her knowledge to the next… Audio
New Zealand Jazz Life
Wellington based composer and pianist Norman Meehan traveled the length and breadth of the country collecting stories from kiwi jazz musicians for a new book New Zealand Jazz Life. It delves into what… Audio
The ability to play with music
Baroque cellist Tomas Hurnik from the Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust is working with composer Julie Wylie to provide a special opportunity for infants and young children with complex… Audio
Carols from many lands
Christmas has arrived so the Bach Choir has joined with Wellington Brass to bring festive cheer with carols from different places and centuries. Musical Director Peter de Blois helps us get in the… Audio
Christmas spirit with Canadian soprano
Cassandra Extavour, Canadian Baroque soprano, is in New Zealand for Auckland Choral’s 98th consecutive performance of Handel’s Messiah. In her day job Cassandra is Professor of Organismic and… Audio
Up Close with Matthew Barley
UK Cellist Matthew Barley will be wowing audiences and encouraging them to participate at the upcoming Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson. He’ll be combining set pieces with improvisation work… Audio
Transcending
Australian author and transgender-rights advocate 81 year old Katherine Cummings is in the capital for a free talk about Cindy Sherman’s work, currently at the City Gallery. In particular, Cummings… Audio
Igniting the musical talent
This weekend young musicians have the opportunity to perform as part of Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square events. The first intake involves musicians who participate in a 15 week training… Audio
Art and public health
Art and how it reflects and supports public health is the major topic of discussion for a symposium being held by the University of Otago. Jenny Ombler & Sarah Donovan head the event which casts a… Audio