A new space for chamber music in the Southern Alps

Captivating events and community connection

It moves, stirs and intertwines to form an intimate bond between performer and listener. The room is steeped in a sound that is difficult to describe. Chamber music is a transformative experience and a powerful platform. 

At the World’s Edge is a classical music festival creating a new stage for this essential asset in Central Lakes. A carefully curated program of live events that combine to create a journey through time, place and people, AWE is designed to transcend the walls of traditional chamber music and enkindle an entirely new relationship with our region. 

From engaging our curious adventurers who are yet to experience classical music, to fostering young talent throughout Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown and beyond, we aim to create a space held captive by classical music where unique moments unfold, connections are forged, and anything is possible.

Our Values

In pursuit of newness.

We will never create the same thing twice. We drive towards new connections, fresh perspectives and persistent reinvention.

From a place of integrity.

First and foremost, our decision-making is guided by what is best for our art, our musicians and our community.

Driven by a passion for the arts.

As simple as that.

Our horizon is global.

We are musicians acclaimed at international standards, hoisting NZ onto the global stage.

Our roots are New Zealand.

Born, bred, inspired by, indebted to.

The passion behind the awe-inspired platform

Benjamin Baker

AWE Artistic Director; Violin
NZ | UK

Described by the New York Times as bringing ‘virtuosity, refinement, and youthful exuberance’ to his Merkin Concert Hall debut, Benjamin has established a strong presence as a sought-after soloist and chamber musician both internationally and in New Zealand.

  • As a recording artist, Benjamin has soloed with the BBC Concert and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras, and released a critically acclaimed CD with pianist Daniel Lebhardt for Delphian in 2021. A further recording with Delphian is due for release in 2023. He also made several solo appearances during the 2021/2022 season with the Auckland Philharmonia, Fort Worth Symphony, and London Philharmonic Orchestras.

    In addition to winning first prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York, Benjamin also won third prize at the Michael Hill Competition in New Zealand, was a prize winner at the YCAT International Auditions in 2013, and now makes regular appearances at Wigmore Hall and on BBC Radio 3.

    Recent highlights from his successful career also include his debut with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the East Neuk Festival and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in New Zealand. In addition to his local performances, Benjamin has also performed at the Al Bustan Festival in Lebanon, the Sanguine Estate Music Festival in Australia, and has toured America, Colombia, China, and Argentina.

    Benjamin plays a 1694 Giovanni Grancino violin, on generous loan from a Charitable Trust.

Justine Cormack

AWE Festival Director; Violin
NZ

A staunch advocate for creativity within New Zealand’s Arts community, Justine actively supports and promotes creative communities both internationally and closer to home. A highly sought-after freelance violinist, Justine collaborates broadly as a soloist, chamber musician and guest concertmaster.

  • Through her creative performance coaching business, ListenFeelPlay, Justine supports musicians worldwide, encouraging them to maximise their performance success and optimise their musical enjoyment through insightful mind and body awareness.

    From 2002 to mid-2017, as a founding member and violinist of NZTrio, Justine performed throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South America, the USA, Europe and Scandinavia. During this time, the group’s commitment and passion for promoting New Zealand music saw the commissioning and performing of close to 40 works from New Zealand composers, proudly showcasing these compositions within the trio’s diverse programmes on the national and global stage.

    Other career highlights include her role as concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia from 2000-2004, and as lecturer in violin at The University of Auckland following the completion of her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, NY, in 2001.

    An active recording artist, Justine has soloed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and released duo recordings with pianists Michael Houstoun and Sarah Watkins, in addition to a varied catalogue of award-winning releases with NZTrio.

    Justine plays an 1868 J.B.Vuillaume violin.

Thank you to our supporters

Our Funders

Our patrons

Scobie Ward (USA/NZ)

Dr Tony Trapp MBE (UK)

Abby O’Neil & Carroll Joynes (USA/NZ)

Gilly Gammell (Australia)

Di and Richard Somerville

Lesa Scholl (Australia)

Ainsley Walter and Mark Stewart

Harriet’s Trust (UK)

Julian and Lizanne Knights

Deane Endowment Trust

Bill and Angela Moran

Mary Smit and Nick Brown

Prue Olde

Eric Johnston & Alison Buchanan

Our Strategic Partners

  • Principal Corporate Sponsor

  • Corporate Sponsor

  • Marketing Partners

  • Emerging Artist Programme

  • Emerging Composer Competition Facilitation

  • Venue Partner

  • Venue Partner

  • Media Partner

  • Wine Partner