AWE 2025's opening weekend continues in Wānaka with Barocco. Barroco explores themes of nature and beauty, as told by baroque composers. The programme features works from lifelong friends, Handel and Telemann, while the world premiere of John Psathas' AWE 2025 commission The Jagged Stone pairs with a piece by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who greatly influenced his music.

• Georg Philipp Telemann Ouverture-Suite in A Major for Strings & Basso continuo TWV 55:A1 
• John Psathas The Jagged Stone for double cello string quintet, AWE 2025 Commission
• George Frideric Handel Concerto Grosso in a minor, opus. 6, no. 4 HWV 322, HWV 322
• Arvo Pärt Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
• Pietro Locatelli Concerto Grosso in c minor, opus 1, no. 11

This is the first time we will hear Australian harpsichordist, Erin Helyard, perform with us. 

There are two performances of Barocco at 2pm and 5pm. In between these performances, we'd love for you to join us for our free AWE+ event: Conversations with John at 4pm

 
This Free Artist Talk sees our Composer in Residence, John Psathas, introduce his music and discuss his new AWE commission The Jagged Stone for double cello string quintet.