NZTrio and Emma Pearson: Strauss reimagined in gold and light

By Simon Holden, 10 October 2025

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“one could almost see the veins of gold amidst the ceramic”

Reviewed at Auckland Town Hall: Great Hall, Auckland on 8 October 2025

Kats-Chernin, The Spirit and the Maiden

Fisher, Kintsugi

Beach, A Mirage

Beach, Stella Viatoris

Rachmaninov, Vocalise, Op.34 no.14

Strauss R., Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) (arr. Salina Fisher)

Emma Pearson, Soprano

NZTrio

Amalia Hall, Violin

Matthias Balzat, Cello

Somi Kim, Piano

Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

Simon Holden, 29th May

New Zealand Opera's new production impresses with its stunning set design and art direction, and its restrained emotional tone.

***11

State Opera South Australia enliven Lucia di Lammermoor

Sandra Bowdler, 16th November

A hoary old production of an operatic warhorse is brought to quite energetic life by a sparkling cast and excellent musical and dramatic performance.

***11

Fine singing but messy staging: Le Comte Ory at New Zealand Opera

Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

A streamlined, dramatic Rinaldo from Pinchgut

Sandra Bowdler, 30th November

Although abbreviated, Pinchgut Opera's production of Handel's Rinaldo makes a powerful dramatic impact and exemplifies high musical values, with excellent orchestral playing and consistently fine singing.

****1

A masterful Così fan tutte in Auckland

Simon Holden, 31st May

Lindy Hume directs a refreshingly uncomplicated new staging for New Zealand Opera, supported by fine musical performances.

****1

Richard Meale’s Voss revived in all its brilliance in Adelaide

Brian Angus, 7th May

Sometimes referred to as “the great Australian opera” ,Voss has had few Australian airings since its 1986 premiere. This new production shows why it is held in such high regard.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.