Seven programmes. Four locations. One journey. Join us for an intimate exploration of classical music and nature in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. With internationally renowned artists standing side-by-side with Aotearoa's finest musicians, the programme is further enhanced by a range of free events and performances.
The 2025 At the World's Edge Festival draws to a close with our final programme, Horizon, which explores the human need to explore, to bridge divides, and to aspire for more. Works by Amy Beach, Claude Debussy and John Psathas pull from the beauty of nature, before one of the most innovative, ambitious and inventive pieces of all time concludes our festival in Queenstown.
In a free AWE+ event, legendary local skier Jossi Wells joins us for a conversation around how his movement on snow becomes a physical expression of his connection to nature. In this open dialogue with AWE Artistic Director Benjamin Baker, they’ll explore the parallels between skiing and music, how Jossi’s dual pursuits shaped one another growing up, and how both art forms have helped him access the elusive flow state.
Programme:
Amy Beach Hermit Thrush at Morn, op.92 for solo piano
Claude Debussy Sonata for violin and piano
John Psathas Corybas for piano trio
Amy Beach Hermit Thrush at Eve, op.92 for solo piano
Georges Enescu String Octet
Festival Artists:
Michael Houstoun - Piano
Benjamin Baker, Jordan Brooks, Justine Cormack, Marike Kruup & Anthony Marwood - Violin
Yura Lee & Serenity Thurlow - Viola
James Bush & Andrew Joyce - Cello
