The name Frank Zappa doesn’t often associate with classical music, however US based conductor Eckart Preu has been handed the baton to lead the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Appalachian to Zappa concert which brings together American composers Aron Copland and Frank Zappa with Mozart’s most famous Piano Concerto and his last symphony.

Singer and actor Tim Draxl takes to the stage to tell the story of the brilliant but self-destructive jazz artist Chet Baker in his new show Freeway: The Chet Baker Story. Draxl co-created the show which offers its challenges – including the fact that Baker was an instrumentalist who adapted his voice to be like his horn, while Draxl is a singer and had to discover instrumental phrasing and flexibility.

New Zealand School of Music puts on a show this week featuring its vocal performance students in a mix of classical opera and musicals. Music Director Mark Dorrell used to work in London’s West End and talks with fourth year student Elyse Hemara about how today’s professional singers have to be open to music from every part of the spectrum.

In this week’s episode Upbeat producer Zoë George turns the page on poor etiquette at book launches. Unity Books’ Dylan Sherwood explains whether we have to buy the book that is being launched, what the protocol is around getting an autograph, and is it ok to indulge in the drinks and nibbles on offer.

The Going West Books and Writers Festival celebrates 21 years, with two new people at the helm, including critic and agency creative Mark Easterbrook. He explains how it is important to combine entertainment with thought-provoking discussions that spark imagination.

Gregory Camp, Director of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Auckland's School of Music, announces a major new sponsor  for its Opera Teaching Programme.  Dr Camp is Director of the University’s upcoming Opera Scenes concert showcasing the future young stars studying at the School of Music.

Dancer Rodney Bell tells his story through Meremere, an autobiographical piece that spans 20 years of his life. It addresses issues around homelessness – which Bell was for a few years – and disability. The performance also includes a choral commission sung in Te Reo Maori directed by conductor Robin Kelly.

Mark Donlon from the New Zealand School of Music casts a critical eye over the combined forces of the NZSO and the Rodger Fox Big Band augmented by star trumpeter Allen Vizzutti from the US. Mark has taught many of the big band’s soloists and says it’s wonderful to see them hit the high notes in such stellar company.

Wilma Smith, former NZSO concertmaster, is playing her first major concerto date in years with Orchestra Wellington soon. She has a direct link with the Berg Violin Concerto:  it was written and premiered for her teacher Louis Krasner.

Engelbert Humperdinck is 80 and still touring and packing them in. Next year he celebrates fifty years since he changed his name from Gerry Dorsey to that of a nineteenth century classical composer, performing 'Release Me' on Sunday Night At The London Palladium and having his first number one hit.