When Simon Trpceski made his debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra three years ago, he gave us Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the impetuosity and zeal of a youthful athlete.

Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst is not noted for his prolific output, so a new novel is always a great event. And his latest could be his best yet.

A new book and exhibition by photographer Fiona Pardington examines the historic - and now derided - practice of taking casts of people's heads to study their brains. Some were her ancestors.

Dionne Christian discovers The Edge's Pick & Mix programme is just the ticket to brighten up your winter days.

Michael Jackson's lawyers are battling to save his $900 million secret art collection.

Current and upcoming listings from galleries in the Auckland area.

Ten short plays by emerging actors take a conservative look at human relationships.

France's Loire Valley was the unlikely last home of an Italian Renaissance genius, writes P.K. Stowers.

Part of US philanthropist's collection will be on show free during Rugby World Cup.

Alan Perrott talks to photographer Olivia Taylor about travelling with New Zealand’s premier orchestra to capture its momentous world tour.

Pink Floyd's The Wall will be playing at Vector Arena this week, brought to life by former bassist-singer Roger Waters.

Auckland Museum's flash new interactive exhibition explores the deeper meanings of H2O. Jacqueline Smith dives in.

Having toured successfully and extensively through New Zealand, Australia and Asia, theatre company Indian Ink is the first from this country to be signed by American artists' representative David Lieberman.

New Zealand musicians have secured a special place on the programme for the City of London Festival.

Sydney's White Rabbit Gallery is a visual feast.

Learning a new skill on your days off can be a lot more fun than you think, writes Dionne Christian.

This fabulous summer arts festival offers a creative, entertaining range of events.

Sarah Quigley - or should I say Dr Sarah Quigley, for she has a doctorate in English literature from Oxford, no less - has long been recognised as one of New Zealand's finest writers.

It's a pop-up world of panama hats and outdoor reading (when it's sunny), scarves and cups of coffee (when it's not), and an erudite audience.