NZSM Orchestra is working with the Orpheus Choir for the first time this weekend to give a performance of the full orchestral version of the Duruflé Requiem, a piece that has been an obsession for conductor Kenneth Young. He’s joined by Orpheus MD Brent Stewart to discuss this momentous occasion.

Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love opens next week in Auckland. The charming, funny opera is being performed by New Zealand Opera. Conductor and Musical Director Wyn Davies, and baritone Morgan Pearse give us the lowdown on Love.

Some of Mozart’s most stunning tunes have been used for ballet, thanks to a bevy of talented choreographers including Stephan Zeromski, for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dancing with Mozart opens next week in Wellington, before heading to seven other centres.

British composer Paul Mealor explains the intricacies of writing music for the Royals and talks about working with the Auckland Youth Choir as they perform his first Symphony Passiontide.

Normally it’s New Yorker classical music critic and author Alex Ross putting the spotlight on performers, but Upbeat’s Tim Dodd turns the spotlight on Ross, discussing his performance with Kiwi artists Stroma and Bianca Andrew. He also poses the big question: is classical music still relevant?

Alex Ross, author and music critic for the New Yorker, is touring New Zealand with the group Stroma and singer Bianca Andrew for Chamber Music New Zealand. Peter Hoar has been in the crowd.

Dynamic Wellington based choir Supertonic is busy preparing for their first concert of the year, Shakespeare’s Sister – a programme celebrating women composers, which includes a special New Zealand commission from rising star, Rosa Elliott. Clarissa Dunn speaks with Rosa, and MD Isaac Stone.

New Zealand born conductor Gemma New is back in the country to conduct the APO and CSO in the coming week. She’s been busy traveling around the world bringing classical music to new audiences. She chats with David Morriss about being back on home soil, her growing career and how more women are stepping up to the podium.

Tony Ryan is a familiar voice on RNZ Concert, but when he’s not reviewing gigs, he’s working with musicians. Resonance ensemble attracts some of the best orchestral musicians in the Garden City. Tony and orchestra founder and principal clarinetist Sue Bealin gexplains why Resonance resonates in Christchurch.

Dunedin composer Associate Prof Anthony Ritchie has been promoted to the rank of Professor at the University of Otago; one of very few composers to have that title in New Zealand. Tonight he gives his first Professorial lecture 'Composing music: but is it research?'. Eva Radich discovers more.