AWE 2025 PERFORMANCE Dates

QUEENSTOWN LAKES
4 - 17 OCTOBER 2025

  • 4 & 5 Oct, Rippon, Wānaka

  • 6 Oct, Te Atamira, Queenstown

  • 9 Oct, Cloudy Bay Shed, Cromwell

  • 10 Oct, Te Atamira, Queenstown

  • 11 Oct, Coronation Hall, Bannockburn

  • 12 Oct, Te Atamira, Queenstown

  • 13-17 Oct, AWE+ in Schools Tour

Full programme, artist and event details for AWE 2025 will be announced on 1 May 2025.

Announcing
AWE 2025
Composer in Residence

John Psathas

We are thrilled that John will join us as this year’s AWE Composer in Residence. New Zealand–Greek composer Ioannis (John) Psathas has a history of large-scale collaborative projects (such as writing for the ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and collaborating with iconic artists such as Salman Rushdie, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Serj Tankian, Oum, and many others). John will be writing a double cello string quintet for premiere within AWE 2025.

  • Following three decades of creating works for traditional ensembles (particularly in the world of percussion) the nature of John's work has now shifted into a space of urgent social commentary, combining a range of live performance formats and technologies. Having collaborated in electronica, pop, classical, jazz, and multi-ethnic projects, he is now weaving these strands into new work that integrates virtuosic live performance with video, text, and cinematic soundscapes.

    Visit John’s website for more info about this extraordinary composer.

The AWE Composer in Residence Commission is supported by the SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music, with funding from the Tarling Trust

ROSL Pettman Scholarship

FOR EMERGING NEW ZEALAND MUSICIANS

In Partnership with The Royal Over-Seas League

Facilitated by London’s Royal Over-seas League, ROSL Pettman Scholarships are designed to directly assist future study and career opportunities for emerging New Zealand musicians showing exceptional career promise.

With two awarded each year, individual scholarships valued at up to approx. $15,000 NZD cover the costs of international flights to and from the northern hemisphere, accommodation, food, tutoring, course and activity fees, and other related expenses.

From 2023, two individual recipients of the recently redesigned ROSL Pettman Scholarship are selected each year from the pool of AWE Emerging Artists. Selection will be based on the quality of AWE Emerging Artist performances and participation within the AWE Festival.

Once selected, Pettman Scholarship recipients will liaise with ROSL and AWE Directors to develop a tailored programme of overseas activities, with the aim of directly benefitting their future study and career opportunities. Assisting the building of valuable new academic and professional connections, Pettman Scholars will be supported to set up lessons, workshops and/or performances, and any other activities as most appropriate for their ongoing musical development.

ANNOUNCING
2025 ROSL PETTMAN
Scholars

Violinist – Sarah Lee (Scholar)

Violist - Ta Amoore (Associate Scholar)

Pictured above: Sarah Lee and Tal Amoore performing within AWE 2024 Festival.