International stars helped launch the At the World’s Edge (AWE) chamber music festival over the weekend.

The launch, held in Wānaka for the first time, featured two programmes of both contemporary and older chamber music at the picturesque Rippon Hall.

New Zealand artists including violinists Benjamin Baker and Justine Cormack and cellist James Bush were joined by musicians from all over the world, among them violinist Anthony Marwood (UK), violist Yura Lee (Korea), and Jordan Brooks (South Africa).

Composer-in-residence John Psathas introduced the world premiere of his new composition, The Jagged Stone, a double cello string quartet.

Justine, who is AWE’s festival director as well as a violinist, said she was thrilled with the turnout and the audience’s response to the opening weekend.

“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,” she said.

John’s new piece was met with “rapturous applause and a long standing ovation”, Justine said.

Another highlight of the weekend was the inclusion of Erin Helyard (Australia) on the harpsichord - a rarely heard instrument in Wānaka - who featured in much of Sunday’s baroque-inspired programme.

“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,” Justine said.

“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.” 

This week AWE heads 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. 

PHOTO: Supplied