2021 At the World's Edge Festival: MATA-AU

Three masterfully curated events. Three breathtaking locations. Three venues designed to capture the very beauty of sound itself. The environment nurtures us, the landscapes sway us, the mountains fuel us - but the music connects us.

Designed for the young and the old, the new to chamber music and the long-standing enthusiasts alike, the AWE 2021 Festival is about forging connections and sharing experiences, providing a new stage for classical music in our beautiful region.

Follow the journey of three exceptional composers Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms whose works intertwine throughout our three 2021 AWE Festival performances.

As well as being powerfully inspired by each other as colleagues and friends, these three men were also intertwined by their mutual love and respect for one influential, aspirational woman - Clara Wieck. A composer in her own right and highly regarded virtuoso pianist of the time, Clara was an inspiring force for creativity.

Experience classical music like never before, in a series of intimate settings that invite you to be still, be inspired, and be a part of the very music itself.

PERFORMANCE 1: MATA-AU - Wanaka

The first concert takes place at Rippon Hall, Wanaka. A celebration of new beginnings, Rippon Hall stands proud on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the lake that feeds the Mata-Au. With an exquisite design and powerful backdrop, this stunning hall is purpose built for such a time as this. With perfect acoustics and an ethereal feel, Rippon Hall will host a powerful performance that connects the land, the music, and the people who will stand witness to the wonder of it all.

As a nod to the places that define us and the land that provides for us, Salina Fisher’s world premiere of her newest commission will be called Mata-Au, and will be presented on the first night of the AWE Festival.

Felix Mendelssohn String Quartet in A minor, op.13 - I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
Salina Fisher Yabo for Violin and Viola
Salina Fisher Mata-Au for violin, viola and cello - World Premiere
Robert Schumann: Quartet no.3 in A major, op.41 no.3 Andante espressivo - Allegro molto moderato
INTERVAL
Felix Mendelssohn String Quintet in B-flat major, op.87

OUR ARTISTS:

Violinists: Benjamin Baker, Justine Cormack , Marike Kruup
Violists: Gillian Ansell, Alex McFarlane
Cellists: Andrew Joyce, Alexandra Partridge
Pianist: Sarah Watkins (for KAWARAU)

TICKETS:

Individual festival performances: $60 (+fees)
3-concert season pass: $150 (discount of $30)
TO BOOK SEASON PASS and receive the discount, select all three concerts for purchase and discount will be applied at checkout.

RIIPPON WINE:

Rippon and light nibbles wine will be available for purchase with bar open from 6.30pm via contactless payment (no cash)

OTHER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES:

PERFORMANCE 2: CONFLUENCE, Cloudy Bay Vineyard, Saturday Oct 16, 7.30pm

Robert Schumann String Quartet in A minor, op.41 No.1
INTERVAL
Felix Mendelssohn Capriccio from String quartet, Op.81 No.3
Salina Fisher Reflect for solo viola
Reena Esmail Darshan (‘seeing’) for solo violin
Felix Mendelssohn - String Quartet in A minor, op.13 - II, III, IV

PERFORMANCE 3: KAWARAU, Queenstown Memorial Centre, Sunday Oct 17, 5pm

Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen, op.132 - I. Lebhaft, nicht zu schnell
Salina Fisher Kintsugi for piano trio
Felix Mendelssohn Lieder Ohne Worte for solo piano, op. 62 No.1 Andante expressivo
Clara Wieck Three Romances for violin and piano, op. 22
Johannes Brahms Intermezzo for solo piano in E-flat op.117
Salina Fisher mono no aware for cello and piano
Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen, op.132 - IV. Lebhaft, sehr markiert
INTERVAL
Johannes Brahms String Sextet in B-flat Major op.18

Visit our website for more information about the AWE Festival: www.worldsedgefestival.com