A festival of chamber music in the heart of the Southern Alps. But what exactly does that offer?

At AWE, we love exploring the endless possible answers to that question. We believe that an engaging and powerful concert atmosphere is the sum of many parts: while the musicians and the music they play may be the summit, inviting our listeners to climb the mountain with us is a crucial and active part of the experience from both sides.

A personal account by Justine Cormack, violinist and AWE Festival Director.

For a festival born at the foot of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the music of our homeland means everything to us. Music crafted by New Zealand composers, music that is grown out of this place and that stems from our unique culture and heritage injects vital relevance to the experience of classical chamber music in New Zealand, and showcases our unique musical and cultural voice on the international stage.

As seen in Style Magazine: Director of At The World’s Edge Festival and well-known New Zealand violinist Justine Cormack shares some highlights from this year’s AWE experience .

… All six festival programmes weave together the most stunning and moving music, culminating in Schoenberg’s glorious string sextet, Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night). Simply put, it’s unearthly beautiful. I predict there won’t be a dry eye in the house.