Standing ovations as AWE launches
International stars of the chamber music scene converged on Wānaka this weekend for the opening of At the World’s Edge Festival. In a change from previous years, AWE launched in the Upper Clutha with two programmes of both contemporary and older chamber music at Rippon Hall.
New Zealand artists including violinists Benjamin Baker and Justine Cormack and cellist James Bush were joined by international leading lights, among them violinist Anthony Marwood (UK), violist Yura Lee (Korea) and Jordan Brooks (South Africa), all of whom have travelled to Aotearoa to take part in the week long festival.
Composer-in-Residence John Psathas introduced the world premiere of his new composition, The Jagged Stone, a double cello string quartet which, he explained, was inspired by the stages of love, from its bittersweet end to the anticipation of a love beginning. This new piece was met with rapturous applause and a long standing ovation from audience in Rippon Hall.
Another highlight of the weekend was the inclusion of Australian Erin Helyard on the harpsichord, a rarely heard instrument in Wānaka, who featured in much of Sunday’s Baroque-inspired programme, Barroco.
AWE Festival Director, Justine Cormack, was delighted with the turn-out for both Saturday and Sunday’s programmes. “After hours of rehearsals, not to mention the months of planning, it’s always a thrill to hear the first notes of the Festival played. For many of our overseas artists, this is their first time to Aotearoa and there really is no better time or place to welcome them to our country than springtime in the Southern Lakes. Performing in such intimate venues creates a wonderful connection between the artists and the audiences and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us this weekend for making them feel so welcome.”
After its opening weekend, AWE moves down the valley to Cromwell and Bannockburn and over to the Whakatipu for three programmes at Te Atamira. Next week AWE ventures further into the region during its school programme when Festival Artists will get to perform for and work alongside the region’s budding young musicians from primary school age up.
