The agony and the ecstasy of our modern world.
If you had to pick a single musical work to reflect the energy, chaos and trauma of the 20th century, you could do a lot worse than Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’. This is chamber music at its most dramatic and unfiltered.
Messiaen's transcendental quartet was written in 1941, while the composer was interned at a Nazi prisoner of war camp. It was premiered by fellow inmates to an audience of about 400 prisoners and guards, outside, in the rain. Messiaen later said of the premiere, "never was I listened to with such rapt attention and comprehension."
To perform this harrowing epic, the Collective are joined by musical treasure Kathryn Stott on the piano. Kathy, perhaps best known for her celebrated collaborations with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, will perform Caroline Shaw’s exquisite ‘Gustave le Gray’ alongside the Chopin mazurka that inspired the piece.
If you’re familiar with this work, you know what all the fuss is about. If it’s your first time – you’ve got a hell of a ride ahead of you.
Dates & Tickets
30 Nov – Nottingham – Lakeside Arts – Book →
1 Dec – Keele – Keele Chapel – Book →
2 Dec – London – Kings Place – Book →
6 Dec – Leeds – Howard Assembly Room – Book →
7 Dec – Manchester – Stoller Hall – Book →
9 Dec – Liverpool – Tung Auditorium – Book →
Check times, ticket prices and access info via the booking links above.
Setlist
Nicola Matteis Alia Fantasia
Caroline Shaw Gustave Le Gray
Frédéric Chopin Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4
Olivier Messiaen Theme and Variations
Olivier Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
Approximate runtime with interval: 115 minutes
LISTEN TO ‘GUSTAVE LE GRAY’ ON SPOTIFY →
Line-up
Rakhi Singh Violin
Nick Trygstad Cello
Sergio Castelló López Clarinet
Kathryn Stott Piano
Programme Notes →
PART OF
23/24
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We’re all about the atmosphere and immersion. You might encounter lighting to set the mood, amplified sound to deliver music straight to your eardrums, or maybe a little bit of haze.
Between pieces, our performers often share a short explanation about the music. They might chat about what to listen out for, the themes or their personal experience.
Rather than the standard black attire, our musicians wear what they feel is comfortable: whether that’s a colourful dress, or a woolly jumper if it’s chilly.
To us, music is most powerful when it’s immediate and personal, not bound by convention. Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran concert-goer, you’re invited to a new kind of classical music experience.
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From warehouses to concert halls, everywhere we play is unique.
At underground and independent venues, it’s a more intimate experience. You can expect to get up close and personal to the musicians, hear outside noise and grab a drink at the bar. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
The “Book” links under Dates & Tickets lead to venue websites. There, you’ll be able to find specific access information. Please note that some independent venues might be standing shows, with the option to request a seat if you need one. This will be specified on the booking page.
If you have any questions at all about access, get in touch at events@manchestercollective.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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Our performances aren’t formal – so you don’t have to be either! Dress in whatever style makes you feel comfortable, just as our performers do.
If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, you might be worried about rules and etiquette. That’s not what we’re about. You’re free to bring the same excitement and respect you would to any other performance.
Depending on the venue, you might be able to take a couple photos and short videos during the show. If you’re filming the entire gig, we promise we have better recordings on our YouTube channel.
All we ask is that you listen with an open mind and ears.
“Breathtaking precision and unswerving confidence”
THE TIMES, BBC PROMS
“Seriously moving. Really exquisite playing.”
AUDIENCE MEMBER, BLACK ANGELS
Experimental programming.
Engaging performances.
Radical human experiences.
