Music in the Round May Festival - The End of Time

Inspired by the visionary language of the Apocalypse, the Quartet for the End of Time is imbued with the religious faith that sustained Messiaen during his internment alongside three other French musicians in Stalag 8 prisoner of war camp during the winter of 1940/41. Manuscript paper was provided by a guard, the camp authorities brought in a piano, and the first performance took place on a bitterly cold January evening in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, some of whom were wounded and laid out on stretchers.

From this tortured beginning, a profound 20th century masterpiece emerged.

Welcome drinks:
All ticket-holders are invited to join us for a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink in the Crucible foyer before this concert.