Join us for an evening of extraordinary music that speaks across generations, exploring light, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit. Written during the composer’s imprisonment in a German POW camp, Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time is a testament to hope and transcendence in the face of unimaginable hardship. Its ethereal colours, spiritual intensity, and moments of profound stillness have made it a touchstone for generations of listeners.
In dialogue with Messiaen’s masterpiece, we will premiere a new work by Arthur Keegan, commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society. Keegan’s composition takes Messiaen’s ideas of eternity and renewal as a starting point, creating a contemporary reflection on faith, fragility, and the passing of time.
Together, these two works offer a powerful evening of music that reaches beyond time — where sound becomes remembrance, renewal and hope.
During the concert, author of “Quartet for the End of Time: On Music, Grief and Birdsong”, Michael Symmons Roberts, will discuss his lifelong fascination with Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, sharing his personal insights into the music.
Programme:
Arthur Keegan Coalesce: Quartet for the Start of Life
Olivier Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
