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Quartet for the End of Time

Performers STEFAN JACKIW, violin

YOONAH KIM, clarinet

JOSHUA ROMAN, cello

HENRY KRAMER, piano

Program OLIVIER MESSIAEN Quartet for the End of Time

In a prisoner-of-war camp during the early days of World War II, the French composer Olivier Messiaen created his chamber music masterpiece Quatuor pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time). Rooted in his deeply Christian faith, it is inspired by the New Testament Book of Revelation.

According to violinist Jean Le Boulaire, who performed in the quartet’s premiere, conditions in the camp were harsh: Prisoners were underfed and unprotected from the brutally cold weather. “When I arrived at the camp, I was stripped of all my clothes, like all the prisoners,” Messiaen said. “But naked as I was, I clung fiercely to a little bag of miniature scores that served as consolation when I suffered. The Germans considered me to be completely harmless, and since they still loved music, not only did they allow me to keep my scores, but an officer also gave me pencils, erasers, and some music paper.” And so he began to compose.

This profound work is performed by a truly remarkable group of spectacular soloists: Stefan Jackiw, one of America’s foremost violinists, who captivates audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique and is hailed for his "uncommon musical substance" (Boston Globe); hailed by The New York Times for her "inexhaustible virtuosity", clarinetist Yoonah Kim is an artist of rare musical depth and versatility; internationally celebrated for his wide-ranging performances, cellist Joshua Roman has earned critical acclaim for his ability to communicate the essence of music in visionary ways; praised by The New York Times for “thrilling [and] triumphant” performances, acclaimed pianist Henry Kramer is developing a reputation as a musician of great sensitivity who combines stylish programming with insightful and exuberant interpretations.

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM