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 generation of opera stars. She talks about the stimulation she gets from passing on her knowledge to future opera stars.

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 disabilities to engage with music. Wylie – who is a much loved composer of music for children – explains why music is so powerful in these children’s lives.

UK based Australian Annie Sloan is described as one of “Britain’s most influential female designers” by the Telegraph. She’s printed more than 26 books about painting and designing, and has created her own line of paint which is available in more than 50 countries. She talks to Zoe George about where the paint idea came from and why she draws inspiration from an 18th century palate.

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 it truly means to be a jazz musician in this country, the state of jazz now, and what it means to play black American music in this country.

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 Evolutionary Biology at Harvard one of the few women to hold a tenured position at the top US University.

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, waltzing and singing. Dubbed the world’s most adventurous cellist, Matthew likes doing shows without rehearsal, in any genre and even in unlikely venues like carparks.

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 spirit.

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 critical eye on social and cultural norms through art: how art can surprise, provoke and communicate; they also explore activism through political art and address how public art brings public good.

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 programme, offering young players performance opportunities. Ignite CEO Savina Kim explains how supporting emerging artists in a sustainable way is good for the music industry’s future.

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 takes us through her experiences as a guest at cross-dressing retreat Casa Susanna. Images of the retreat feature in Sherman’s exhibition. This talk will change the way you look, and engage with Sherman.