Imagine a 254-year-old musical instrument made of wood. It was built in London and probably had a passing acquaintance with Haydn, among others.

Last year, Janine Jansen filled Auckland Town Hall playing Tchaikovsky with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, her performance melting all but the stoniest of hearts.

Lisa Fischer has toured New Zealand as backing vocalist to some of the world's biggest musical acts - notably the Rolling Stones - but when she returns this month, it will be an altogether different experience.

The 10 semi-finalists in this year's Lexus Song Quest have been chosen.

As with Indian Ink's other productions, he co-wrote the story with Lewis, who also directs.

Lang Lang may call China his first home but "it's not like I'm living here at the moment," he explains. "I'm just touring all the time. In fact, I'm not living anywhere."

Helen van Berkel discovers a precious natural highway, not far from the roar of Auckland traffic.

The best of the long weekend and beyond.

Esther Stephens brings NZ suffragette Kate Sheppard back in a bloody-minded punk rock opera, writes Dionne Christian.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's Latin Rhythms transported a very full Town Hall on the perfect winter getaway.

Kiwi actor David de Lautour finds a respite from the mad world of Hollywood in Taupo, the home of his heart.

The best of the weekend and beyond.

Given my physical location, I'm sometimes asked how I describe myself - where am I mentally, if you will.

Tauranga means "continuous settlement". It is a place my whanau has stayed, long before the arrival of settlers to the area.

Someone's apparently long-forgotten fighter-plane restoration project mystifies us as we glide past the grey wreck sitting in its cradle.

Your guide to the best of the weekend and beyond.

Te Araroa: New Zealand's Trail is 3000km of continuous walking from one end of Aotearoa to the other, connecting Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.

When it comes to crime fiction, New Jersey-based writer Harlan Coben is Big Business.

Restaurateur Krishna Botica on the cultures and cuisine that shaped her childhood.

Auckland Art Fair will show the best in contemporary art from New Zealand and the wider Pacific.

Jane Jeffries discovers the places that say 'yes' to dogs.

The twins return to the stage to perform for two very different audiences. They talk to Dionne Christian.

How good to revisit Gillian Whitehead's the improbable ordered dance, premiered by the orchestra 15 years ago.

Barbara Holloway writes an ode to her Auckland.

Emma Galloway shares a Mother's Day recipe from her book, A Year in My Real Food Kitchen.

Emma Galloway is charmed by Auckland's food and fast pace.

Looking for ideas beyond breakfast in bed, to mark Mother's Day? Here's some great ways to spend time together, writes Sarah Ell.

It is astounding to think no art gallery in Australasia has ever generated a comprehensive exhibition of work from South America until now.