Past Event | SoNA Beyond: Quartet for the End of Time
A free event! Registration required – limited seating
July 17, 2022
7pm
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas proudly presents the latest installment in its SoNA Beyond concert series: a FREE performance of Quartet for the End of Time at Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista. Join us to hear a powerful work exploring the complex emotions of war, captivity, transcendence, and resilience despite difficulty.
“The Quartet for the End of Time” was written by Olivier Messiaen while he was in German captivity in the bleak winter of 1940-41, and it was first performed by his fellow prisoners with the instruments they had on hand – piano, violin, clarinet, and cello. Generally considered one of his most important works, this 50-minute piece explores themes of eternity and ‘the end of time’ from the perspective of a dark hour in the world’s history. Despite the difficult subject, a beautiful transcendence and catharsis emerges as musicians bring to life Messiaen’s masterpiece.
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas’ performance of this piece is dedicated to the brave citizens of Ukraine, during a dark time in their history. We stand in solidarity with the beautiful, sovereign nation of Ukraine, and we invite you to support Ukrainian relief efforts as its citizens cope with extraordinary circumstances through the UNICEF or other non-profits/NGOs.
Featured SoNA Musicians include: Ann Watson (clarinet), Cristian Vega Martinez (violin), Michael Puryear (cello), and Kristine Olefsky (piano).
About SoNA Beyond:
This performance is part of the SoNA Beyond series, which showcases the vast spectrum of possibilities for classical music to reach audiences in new and innovative ways. SoNA Beyond presents a variety of concerts, programs, and other creative arts experiences that go beyond the symphony’s annual mainstage season of concerts. The new series features symphony musicians in creative ways, including chamber music performances, outdoor educational concerts, community partnerships, groundbreaking contemporary experiences, and more.
SoNA Beyond rethinks the boundaries of what a symphony can do to innovate the artform, include new voices, and immerse SoNA in the Northwest Arkansas community – to give audiences an expansive view of what classical music is and who it serves.
Sponsored by
and Northwest Arkansas Symphony Guild,
made possible by a gift from the late Elin J. Stene.