Michael Houstoun performs Sleeper At the World's Edge Festival in Queenstown

5 | Reverie
Fri 10 Oct, 7:30pm, Te Atamira, Queenstown

This programme explores the fluid space between structure and freedom, both in nature and in music. Works by Eleanor Alberga, Stravinsky, and John Psathas reimagine musical form, setting the stage for Beethoven’s Opus 131 quartet: a groundbreaking work of emotional depth and structural innovation that led fellow composer Franz Schubert to remark, “After this, what is there left to write?”

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ANNOUNCING

2025 Composer in Residence
John Psathas

We are thrilled to announce world-renowned New Zealand-Greek composer, John Psathas as AWE 2025 Composer in Residence.

John’s CV is, quite frankly, astonishing. His music has been played on all seven continents - yes, including Antarctica - and he has worked alongside Evelyn Glennie, Sir Mark Elder and the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra to name just three of his collaborations while he was responsible for scoring much of the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

John’s creativity and grasp of musical genres seemingly knows no bounds and we are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to join us this year, writing a two cello string quintet that we can't wait to premiere within AWE 2025.

More about John Psathas