John Psathas Composer in Residence for AWE 2025 Festival

World-renowned New Zealand–Greek composer John Psathas has been announced as the 2025 At the World’s Edge Festival Composer in Residence.

Psathas is known across the globe for his bold, genre-spanning compositions and large-scale collaborations. His music has been performed on all seven continents, including Antarctica, and he was a driving force behind the music of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games opening ceremony. Renowned for his versatility and creativity, Psathas has collaborated with artists from Salman Rushdie to Serj Tankian, blending live performance with cinematic soundscapes, video, and text to create powerful musical narratives.

As part of his AWE residency, John Psathas has been commissioned to compose two new works, which will premiere during the spring festival. His works from across the decades will feature throughout the festival programme and audiences will have the rare opportunity to hear him in conversation, discussing his compositions and inspirations.

AWE Festival Director Justine Cormack is delighted by his appointment: “Having performed and commissioned a lot of John’s music over the years, I couldn’t be more thrilled for him to be joining us for this year’s fifth anniversary festival. I’m looking forward to premiering his two new commissions for AWE 2025, as well as sharing a raft of his other chamber works. Audiences are in for a treat! His music is powerful and so utterly moving on the deepest and most meaningful levels, and we look forward to celebrating him and all his creativity throughout the festival.”

In the five months leading up to AWE 2025, Psathas will also mentor the festival’s Emerging Composer as part of At the World’s Edge’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s next generation of musicians. He joins a distinguished line-up of past Composers in Residence, including Eve de Castro-Robinson, Victoria Kelly, Gareth Farr, and Salina Fisher, each of whom has contributed new works to the festival.

At the World’s Edge Festival runs from 4–12 October 2025, with performances in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn. The AWE+ series offers free events—including concerts, open rehearsals, and talks—across all festival venues, and culminating with a tour of schools throughout the district between 13-17 October. Tickets go on sale in May.

For more info, visit www.worldsedgefestival.com.