Quartet for the End of Time

French composer Messiaen created his masterpiece in a prisoner-of-war camp during the early days of World War II. Drawing together his Christian faith, his love of birdsong, and fervent belief in the sanctity of human life, he wrote the piece for the instruments and players available to him in the camp. An audience of 400 prisoners together with German officers attended its first performance. In this, the 80th anniversary year of VE Day, and at a time when so much of the world is still ravaged by conflict, this profoundly moving work has never been more relevant. TThis unique performance will include an introduction to the piece by Michael Reed, as well as contemporary accounts from prisoners of war and other narrative interludes.

The concert also includes classical and cabaret songs from the period, performed by acclaimed German soprano Felicia Brembeck.