It might not be what you expect from Wigmore Hall, but since the earliest days of electronic music making, pioneering performers and composers have been bringing their cutting-edge instruments, experimental works and new perspectives on sound to the Wigmore stage. Join our Archivist, Emily Woolf for an exploration and celebration of the Hall's electronic history, from the earliest days of Messiaen and Martinů to the electric guitar, amplified wine glasses - and one instrument quite unlike anything that came before or since.

EPSG:4326

Archive Talk: Wigmore Hall's electric history

Wigmore Hall

The Quartet for the End of Time is one of the most extraordinary pieces to come out of the 20th century. Written in 1941 while Messiaen was a prisoner of war, it was given its first performance by the composer and three fellow inmates in Stalag VIII, Silesia. Its eight movements reflect many senses of time’s end: religious, inspired by the ‘Book of Revelation’; outside of human time, represented by birdsong; and ending the western sense of musical time, as in the transcendentally slow movement for violin and piano that concludes the work. Thomas Adès’ Court Studies from ‘The Tempest’ are short, characterful transcriptions of arias from his opera The Tempest.

Chamber Series: Quartet for the End of Time

Hallé St Peter's

This event is nearing capacity. However, there are always no-shows for free events. Patrons without tickets will be invited to join the standby line and allowed into the hall 5 minutes before curtain, if space is available.

Faculty Recital: Andrew Bain, Horn Martin Beaver, Violin and Fabio Bidini, Piano

Colburn School

A contemporary ballet/modern dance performance inspired by the works of poet Mary Oliver and the photographs that will be projected on the cyc, taken by Dennis Pikus. The dances will be accompanied by a live quartet playing “Quartet for The End of Time” by Messiaen, along with selected songs by singer/songwriter Josh Coad.

Rachael Coad: Devotions

Atlas Performing Arts Center

“The intrepid Canadian soprano has emerged over the last half decade as one of the most vital and original musicians of her generation.”

BARBARA HANNIGAN, soprano & BERTRAND CHAMAYOU, piano

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall

In celebration of the 100th birthday of Pierre Boulez, conductor Daniel Cohen joins BBC NOW for an evening of 20th Century gems, kicking off with Boulez’s own Livres pour cordes. Unsurpassable beauty and depth run deep in this angular and fragmentary work, which is nothing but lyrical throughout.

Boulez at 100

Wales Millennium Centre

Jan Lisiecki, hailed by BBC Music Magazine as "perhaps the most complete pianist of his age," brings his extraordinary talent to a recital that delves into the rich and varied world of preludes. At just 28, Lisiecki has already carved out an impressive career, performing on the world's most prestigious stages and collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors. This performance features an insightful program that explores the prelude form, showcasing works by a diverse array of composers including Bach, Rachmaninoff, Górecki, Szymanowski, Messiaen, and Chopin. Lisiecki's interpretation of these pieces highlights the unique ways in which each composer has embraced and personalized the prelude format. The recital includes the complete Préludes Op. 28 by Chopin, offering a comprehensive look at how this form has evolved and been reimagined over time. Known for his mature interpretations and technical prowess, Lisiecki's performance promises to be a profound exploration of the prelude, revealing the broad possibilities and emotional depth of this seemingly humble musical form.

Messiaen

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 5, 2024

BARBARA HANNIGAN, soprano & BERTRAND CHAMAYOU, piano · La Jolla Music Society

Mar 6, 2025

Boulez at 100 · Wales Millennium Centre

Mar 20, 2025

Jan Lisiecki Piano · San Francisco Performances

Past events

Nov 13, 2024

Archive Talk: Wigmore Hall's electric history · Wigmore Hall

May 22, 2024

Chamber Series: Quartet for the End of Time · The Hallé

About

Messiaen hasn't added a bio