There was an air of ritual about Requiem for the Fallen, the major music commission of the New Zealand Arts Festival.

A UK critic has slammed Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's guest performance on the hit TV drama Downton Abbey.

British theatre mogul Andrew Lloyd Webber has been hospitalised in the UK, where he received his "12th general anaesthetic in 8 months".

Kiwi opera singer Madeleine Pierard has gone through hell, but says she is blessed to have the life she lives.

Elizabeth Marvelly became a pop opera star at the age of 18. Six years on, though, the Kiwi singer is packing it in, deciding that she no longer wants to sing the classical music that has brought her fame and money.

Over the next few months children, from tots to teens, can immerse themselves in music, comedy and drama as they like it: loud and boisterous, writes Dionne Christian.

Beachside is best in Sydney, finds Jo Bates.

Zesty performance by Auckland Opera Studio and ACO remains faithful to the spirit of original Cosi fan Tutte.