Lynn Freeman's interview with Rahim AlHaj
Oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj is bringing his acclaimed work, Letters from Iraq, to Aotearoa New Zealand. It's a series of instrumental poems based on actual letters written by people desperately trying to survive in his wartorn homeland. A powerful musical meditation on the consequences of war which was written in 2017 but listening to it now, with the war in Ukraine, makes it every bit as relevant today.
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A Q&A with Dawn Hardwick, pianist and Artistic Director of The John Psathas Group
Ahead of the launch of The John Psathas Group, we chatted with London-based Welsh pianist and Artistic Director Dawn Hardwick about her long collaborative history and friendship with John Psathas, and what she's most looking forward to about the tour with Chamber Music New Zealand.
John Psathas on Live Art, AI, and why the Concert Hall matters more than ever
It is a great honour for Chamber Music New Zealand to now usher the John Psathas Group into the world as this remarkable new ensemble prepares for its first-ever tour.
Artist Spotlight: Q&A with Jian Liu
Chinese-New Zealand pianist Jian Liu, winner of Best Classical Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, performs with Chamber Music New Zealand in New Plymouth on Saturday 20 June at 4th Wall Theatre. In the lead up to the performance, he had a chat with us about the programme that draws on the soundscapes of his two homes, China and New Zealand, his favourite places in both countries, and what he hopes audiences might feel on hearing the music.
2025 Annual Report
A summary of Chamber Music New Zealand Puoro Taiwhanga Aotearoa's 2025 year, detailing our concerts and community engagement activities.
Shared songs, shared stories
Shared Songs, Shared Stories: The Power of Music in Our Communities.
Artist Spotlight: Q&A with composer John Psathas
John Psathas is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most prominent composers, with his work achieving global acclaim. Chamber Music New Zealand is honoured to usher into the world The John Psathas Group, a supergroup of global artists dedicated to bringing John’s music to life. We asked John to share the inspirations that shape his work, what excites him about the tour ahead, and what this project represents for him.
