Quartet for the End of Time

Composed while he was a prisoner of war, Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time seems to touch the far edges of human experience. Described as ethereal, but never dainty. Sometimes powerful, but never harsh or ugly, Messiaen’s music is set apart from any other. Balancing out the program is Bela Bartok’s Contrasts, a piece commissioned by celebrated jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman. Featuring clarinet phenomenon, Gabriel Campos Zamora, internationally renowned pianist Tim Lovelace, Minnesota Orchestra Associate Principal Violin, Susie Park, and cellist Richard Belcher. This program is transcendent and beautiful— a gem among contemporary works.