At the World’s Edge Music Festival returns
At the World’s Edge Festival (AWE) will celebrate their fifth festival this year, in October. They’ll be delivering an extensive programme of chamber music across Queenstown, Bannockburn, Wānaka and Cromwell.
Nature is the muse for the festival and mountains the stage – the extensive programme includes something for everyone with free community events sprinkled throughout. Since its inception, AWE has been proud to offer more than just a series of live music events, but a platform for the arts and a spark for creativity to come.
“It’s been a fantastic ride in terms of launching the festival in 2021 amidst Covid, with restricted numbers,” one of the festival’s directors, Justine Cormack says. “Because our chamber music audiences are small on purpose, for that up-close-and-personal and intense experience, we were able to launch at that time.”
They had to use New Zealand artists entirely, for that first year, which made for a lovely well-received event, although a little different to their MO, which is to have the world’s best musicians sharing the stage with our best. That’s been developed over the past five years and Cormack says without a doubt that this year’s event has an amazing line up.
“Every year it’s been great, but we’ve got some of New Zealand’s most well-known, like Michael Houstoun on the piano. He’s a literal icon of the Arts Foundation – he’s one of the few classical musicians that have been recognised as an icon.”
Another part of the festival that has been developing over the years is the Emerging Artist Programme. Four young musicians are selected to be mentored, with side-by-side rehearsals, performance opportunities and coaching from festival artists. The goal is to challenge the musicians to explore their artistry and craft in a new realm.
“We’re seeing our emerging artists now studying overseas and the support that the festival gave them through that process has been really amazing to witness.”
The extensive 2025 programme includes works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Amy Beach, Augusta Read Thomas and John Psathas, who is this year’s Composer in Residence. Psathas is one of New Zealand’s most prolific and successful composers, and his approach to composition blends diverse influences into his unique musical language.
“John Psathas’ work feeds right through the programme. I’ve been involved in commissioning works from him in the past – I’ve played a lot of his music through my career and I just have immense respect for the power of his music. I always find it incredibly moving. I’m really looking forward to introducing the music of John Psathas to our audience.”
Cormack and the team really encourage everyone to come along and just let the music have its own impact. The intimacy of each show allows the audience to experience stunning sounds and feelings of personal connection with each of the individuals performing.
“When you have amazing musicians playing programmes that have been curated in such a way, you’re taken on a journey,” Cormack says.
Taking place against the spectacular backdrops of our region, the best classical music in Aotearoa will be performed. At the World’s Edge Festival will have performances throughout the region from 4 – 17 October. There are a total of seven festival programmes in addition to free events and community performances. You can find more information about the artists and programme, and find the free events or purchase tickets at worldsedgefestival.com
