Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time

Composed in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Olivier Messiaen’s masterpiece speaks of hope, faith, and eternity amidst despair. Written for instruments that were on hand among the camps inmates - clarinet, violin, cello, and (himself playing) piano, the first performance took place in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, and was Messiaen's most ambitious piece to date. Eight movements, each offering distinctive and unique characteristics of Messiaen's work, they speak to this Biblical passage from Revelations:

'I saw a mighty angel descend from heaven, clad in mist; and a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He set his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the earth, and standing thus on sea and earth he lifted his hand to heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: There shall be time no longer; but on the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel, the mystery of God shall be finished.'

The Quartet for the End of Time is a breathtaking fusion of haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Step into a world where music transcends boundaries, and join us for an unforgettable performance that will move your heart and stir your soul.

The Fews Ensemble
Clarinet - Francesco Paulo Scola
Violin - Joanne Quigley McParland
Cello - Jonathan Aasgaard
Piano - David Quigley

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Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time

Composed in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Olivier Messiaen’s masterpiece speaks of hope, faith, and eternity amidst despair. Written for instruments that were on hand among the camps inmates - clarinet, violin, cello, and (himself playing) piano, the first performance took place in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, and was Messiaen's most ambitious piece to date. Eight movements, each offering distinctive and unique characteristics of Messiaen's work, they speak to this Biblical passage from Revelations:

'I saw a mighty angel descend from heaven, clad in mist; and a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He set his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the earth, and standing thus on sea and earth he lifted his hand to heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: There shall be time no longer; but on the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel, the mystery of God shall be finished.'

The Quartet for the End of Time is a breathtaking fusion of haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Step into a world where music transcends boundaries, and join us for an unforgettable performance that will move your heart and stir your soul.

The Fews Ensemble
Clarinet - Francesco Paulo Scola
Violin - Joanne Quigley McParland
Cello - Jonathan Aasgaard
Piano - David Quigley

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Piano trios

As the warmth of summer envelops the landscape, join us for an unforgettable evening of piano trio masterpieces performed by David Quigley (piano), Joanne Quigley McParland (violin), and Jonathan Aasgaard (cello). This distinguished ensemble brings together three virtuosic performers in a programme that captures the intensity and passion of Russian chamber music.

The recital features Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50, a monumental work of heartfelt lyricism and dramatic grandeur, written as a tribute to the composer's friend and mentor. Also on the programme is Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67, a profound and poignant work that juxtaposes haunting melodies with driving energy, reflecting the composer’s emotional response to the devastation of World War II.

Set amidst the golden days of early summer, this concert invites you to revel in the fiery brilliance and deep expressiveness of these two iconic trios, performed by three outstanding musicians whose dynamic interplay will leave you spellbound. A perfect midsummer musical escape!

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