Messiaen’s End of Time Quartet is a staple work of the 20th century, and for good reason. It was written in a prisoner-of-war camp where Messiaen was captured and was also premiered there, in 1941. The origin of its conception is a place of destitution and desolation yet it is extraordinary in that it is so full of life and hope. The Quartet encompasses humanity, and is not only listened to but experienced.

Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.