One of the world’s oldest violas will meet one of the youngest in an historic performance during the upcoming At the World’s Edge (AWE) Festival in Bannockburn.

The event will include a range of performances, including by UK-based Bryony Gibson-Cornish, who will play one of the oldest violas in the world, as well as one of the newest. 

Bryony, who was born in New Zealand and spent her first four years in Cromwell, features on this week’s The Outlet podcast, where she chats about the festival and the special elements the event will bring to Central.

During the podcast, she describes the honour of being able to play one of the oldest violas in the world, made by Brothers Amati.

“It was made in about 1610, or thereabouts, which is mind boggling to think about it when you put it against the context of New Zealand’s history.”

AWE will also see her play the world’s newest viola, made specifically for and gifted to the festival by luthier Stephan Osthorst.

“I feel very honoured to be the first to play on this beautiful viola and to do so in the place where I grew up makes it all the more special.” 

Bryony is one of many world-leading chamber musicians who will take to the stages of Central and Southern Lakes for the festival, including a performance at Bannockburn’s Coronation Hall on Sunday, October 6.

The festival marks the first time in almost a decade that she has performed in Central.

“I really can’t describe just how excited I am to be coming back to, basically, my home. I grew up in Cromwell for the first four years of my life and I’ve always been a southern girl.”

This year’s event focuses on the influence of folk music on chamber music, with performances of pieces from around the globe and across the centuries. 

“AWE this year is all about tradition and the retelling of stories,” she said. 

“So it’s going to be fantastic to perform with my 17th century viola that has already told so many tales and seen so much and then launch the AWE viola on its way, no doubt the first performance of many.” 

At the World’s Edge Festival runs from October 5-18 with performances in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn. 

To find out more about the festival, check out the What's On listing on The Central App.