The year is 1941 – war rages into its second year across Europe as the Third Reich sweeps across the continent leaving unimaginable horror and suffering in its wake. Men, women and children are displaced and scattered across many countries – leaving behind familial bonds, culture and heading to an uncertain future.

Captured in the German POW camp, Stalag VIII-A, French composer Olivier Messiaen manages to meet fellow musicians Henri Akoka, Etienne Pasquier and Jean le Boulaire – a clarinetist, a cellist and a violinist. In this environment of terror and suffering, the four formed an unlikely musical bond and a historic piece of music was born: Quartet for the End of Time. This spiritual and deeply moving piece was premiered in the rain at the prison in January 1941 to an audience of some 3000 prisoners and guards.

Marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Jocelyn Ho will present an evening of this astonishing work at Steinway Hall. A momentous work that draws from Messiaen’s love of birdsong, Hindu rhythms and mystical Catholicism, the premiere of Quartet for the End of Time elevated the prisoners into a spiritual, timeless moment away from their despair.

The evening’s performance will be interwoven with scriptural texts, interviews and accounts that will enlighten us of the conditions, the sufferings and the mentalities of the circumstances surrounding the work. Together with international artists Aaron Kruziki, Regi Papa and Brian Sanders, join us for an evening that transcends religion, class, earthly suffering, and of course, Time.