Recently International classical stars Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich were in New Zealand to perform. In their downtime they spent time mentoring the next generation. Alison Eldredge from Arohanui Strings explains how their contribution will help young musicians in Lower Hutt to flourish.

The Nelson School of Music is having a celebration that will run throughout the night this weekend. It includes a range of performances, including the debut of new work by composer Gareth Farr. He'll be joined by Sarah Lewis from the Nelson School of Music to discuss the magic of the music of the night.

Did you know adults only laugh 20-30 times a day while a child will laugh more than 300. Why is that? Are we also less happy when we don't laugh as much? Laughter coach Hannah Airey has been helping people find their voice following difficult times.

The SMP Ensemble is back, celebrating the music of John Elmsly, the current Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence. The performance combines classical with electroacoustic elements, covering works by Elmsly and people who inspired him including David Farquhar and Douglas Lilburn.

The Royal New Zealand Airforce Band is performing among the planes at the Airforce Museum of New Zealand in Wigram next week. Simon Brew and Alistair Isdale explain how the acoustics are altered because of the metal planes and the sense of camaraderie within the band.

Mapura Studio in Auckland provides a creative outlet for those with disabilities. Programmes are offered for all ages and abilities, and include life drawing, cartooning and dance. Studio director Diana MCPherson explains how this brings colour to the lives of those from diverse backgrounds.

Bach Musica NZ's choristers, along Russian tenor Dmitry Rusakov and NZ mezzo Sarah Court, present Rachmaninov's Vespers. Sarah Court explains how the 15 movements are reflective, quiet and deeply moving.

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand chief Roger Lloyd is stepping down from his role but there's new adventures to be had. David Squire, conductor of the New Zealand Youth Choir, joins Roger to talk about what next for the organisation and where the Youth Choir is going in the future.

Jennifer Shennan reviews The New Zealand Dance Company's three piece work Lumina, which all focus on light. It's currently touring the country, following on from a successful international season in Germany and The Holland Dance Festival.

Are jandals and skinny black jeans appropriate attire for the opera? Can I boo at my favourite villain? I want to tweet, is that ok? We get the low-down on opera etiquette from Westie turned opera singer Wade Kernot who's on stage this week with New Zealand Opera's The Magic Flute.