Gateway

AWE Chicago 2025 opens in a place of deep spiritual significance for Aotearoa New Zealand - in front of Ruatepupuke II, the wharenui (Māori meeting house) from Tokamaru Bay within Chicago’s Field Museum.

Celebrating 120 years of Ruatepupuke II’s place within the museum’s collection, join us for a powerful cultural exchange through the prism of chamber music, where music from Aotearoa New Zealand, Chicago, and beyond creates a bridge between past and present. Set on sacred ground, this wharenui was built as a gateway for the living to connect with their ancestors, history, and new communities—a spirit we honor as AWE brings its performance to this special space.

Presented in partnership with the Field Museum. Entrance Fee to Museum applies, with free entry into performance.

Program:

- Augusta Read Thomas (Chicago) Dream Catcher for solo violin
- Georg Telemann (Germany) Gulliver’s Travels for two violins
- Gareth Farr (NZ) Wakatipu for solo violin
- Eleanor Alberga (UK) Shining Gate of Morpheus for horn and string quartet

Performers:

Ben Goldscheider - French Horn
Benjamin Baker - Violin
Natalie Lin Douglas - Violin
Zoe Martin-Doike - Viola
Julia Yang - Cello

Attendance:

Entrance fee to museum applies, with free entry to performance within the Marae Gallery.