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 Otago and the Southern Lakes. A carefully curated programme 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 drive towards new connections, fresh perspectives and persistent reinvention.

From a place of integrity.

Our decision-making is guided first and foremost by what is best for our art, our community and our cultural context.

Driven by a passion for the arts.

As simple as that.

Cultivating a global ecosystem.

Building awareness and reputation of Aotearoa New Zealand art through a network for creative cross-pollination on the global stage.

Our roots are New Zealand.

Born, bred, inspired by, committed to.

The passion behind the awe-inspired platform

A man smiling while playing the violin indoors.

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 Baker has established a strong presence as a sought-after soloist and chamber musician both internationally and in New Zealand.

Recent highlights include regular appearances at Wigmore Hall and on BBC Radio 3, and concerto debuts with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Ryan Bancroft (Barber), Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under Dame Jane Glover (Beethoven), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Mozart), and Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the East Neuk Festival. In New Zealand, he has appeared as soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras, and Orchestra Wellington.
In 2026, Benjamin gives the world premiere of Matthew Kaner’s Violin Concerto, written for him and commissioned by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Amarillo Symphony. He also makes debut appearances with the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie and Romanian Radio Chamber Orchestra, following recent US debuts with the Mobile, Columbus, Summerville, and Newport Symphony Orchestras.
Also in 2026, he releases the complete Mozart Violin Concertos with conductor Jonathan Bloxham and the London Mozart Players on Delphian Records, following two critically acclaimed albums with pianist Daniel Lebhardt, 1942 and 1919: Coda.
Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, Benjamin studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music, where he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Rose Bowl by HRH Prince Charles. Key catalysts in his musical journey include prize-winning successes at the YCAT International Auditions in London, the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York, the Michael Hill Violin Competition in New Zealand, and the Windsor International String Competition. Benjamin plays a 1694 Giovanni Grancino violin, generously loaned by a Charitable Trust.

Woman playing violin in a dimly lit room

Justine Cormack

AWE Festival Director; Violin
NZ

Justine Cormack is a violinist, a collaborator, and a creative force. As Director of At the World's Edge Festival and Concertmaster of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, she brings both artistic vision and the drive to build creative ventures that endure and resonate.

From 2002 to mid-2017, as a founding member and violinist of NZTrio, Justine performed throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South America, the USA, Europe and Scandinavia. The group's commitment to New Zealand music saw the commissioning, premiering and continued championing of close to 40 works from New Zealand composers during this period — a legacy the ensemble has continued to build significantly since. NZTrio were honoured with a KBB Music/CANZ citation in 2012 and the Lilburn Trust Citation in 2017 for outstanding services to New Zealand music, recognition that reflects an ongoing story of excellence and advocacy.
An active recording artist, Justine has released duo recordings with pianists Michael Houstoun and Sarah Watkins, in addition to a varied catalogue of award-winning releases with NZTrio. Their crossover album Vicissitudes, recorded with the Mike Nock Trio, was a finalist for Best Jazz Album at the 2017 Jazz Awards, while Sway won Classical Artist of the Year at the 2017 Vodafone Music Awards.
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.
Justine plays an 1868 J.B. Vuillaume violin.