Today we are chatting with Wānaka local, Justine Cormack - a freelance violinist and festival director for the upcoming At the World’s Edge Festival. 

Having moved to the region with her husband in 2017 after spending 17 years in Auckland, Justine has made the Queenstown Lakes district home. As a freelance violinist, Justine's year is filled with a variety of performances. From guest-leading orchestras such as the Christchurch Symphony and Orchestra Wellington to playing in intimate chamber groups, her talent shines through. Justine’s recent performance on August 29th at The Piano in Christchurch, alongside Sarah Watkins (piano) and Emma Eden (French horn), is just one example of her versatility. 

However, the role that occupies most of her time is as Festival Director of At the World’s Edge (AWE) Festival, where she works tirelessly with AWE Artistic Director Benjamin Baker to bring each festival to life.

When asked what inspired her to immerse herself in the arts, Justine reflects on the powerful connection the arts create between people. In today’s world, she believes that the arts are more important than ever. As an artist, Justine’s primary motivation is to inspire others to dream, express themselves creatively, experience deep emotions, and explore life in colorful and personal ways. The violin, with its demands and challenges, has always attracted Justine. She thrives on the pressure to improve, to explore, and to express herself fully through her music. For Justine, making a difference in people’s lives is what being an artist is truly about.

A pivotal moment in Justine’s career came in 1990 when she performed in the finals of the Young Musicians Competition. Playing a concerto in front of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, of which she was a member, was a defining experience. Although she didn’t win, the experience pushed her to her limits and made her realize that she should take music seriously. The following year, Justine found herself at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music pursuing a Master’s Degree, and the rest, as they say, is history.

As a classical musician, Justine’s creative process revolves around interpreting the composer’s score. She strives to get to the heart of what the composer was trying to express, bringing her own authentic self into the process. Viewing herself as an athlete, Justine emphasizes the importance of involving her entire body, mind, and soul in the creative process. For her, performing is an all-encompassing experience that requires everything she has.

One of the biggest challenges Justine faces is the constant battle against her own limitations. In the world of music, performers are always striving to improve, but staying positive and healthy in the face of these challenges is essential. Despite the difficulties, Justine believes that enjoying what you do—warts, challenges, successes, and all—is crucial to staying connected to the love of the craft and its purpose.

Looking ahead, Justine is excited about the opportunities that AWE Festival continues to offer her each year. Playing alongside the best New Zealand and international musicians is a privilege that makes the hard work worthwhile. Seeing the audience nourished, inspired, and thrilled by their performances is the ultimate reward.

For the younger generation, Justine’s advice is simple: Dream big, be expressive, and back yourself. With passion, perseverance, and a love for what you do, the possibilities are endless.

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The At the World’s Edge Festival 2024, runs from October 5 to October 18, with tickets on sale now. 

At the World’s Edge is a chamber music festival inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Exploring the prism of our collective identity, this year’s festival spans seven programmes across Queenstown, Wānaka, Bannockburn and Cromwell, with folk music at its core and additional free events and experiences throughout.

With spectacular sounds against majestic scapes, experience the power of chamber music in New Zealand alongside internationally renowned musicians, lifelong enthusiasts, and curious adventurers alike. More than a series of live music events, AWE is a platform for the arts in our region and a spark for creativity to come.