Saturday, December 14 at 5:00pm

Presenting two celebrated 20th century chamber works, played by Ensemble Connect.

Ensemble Connect is a group of extraordinary classical musicians who take part in a two-year fellowship program created by a partnership of Carnegie Hall, The Julliard School, the Weill Music Institute and the New York City Department of Education. It has been acclaimed for its “energy and virtuosity” and its ability to actively engage any audience.
Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano (1926) is the French composer’s first mature work of chamber music, loved for its “clarity,” unpretentious “youthful verve”, tonality and effervescence. It is the only standard work for this unusual combination of instruments.

Massiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time was written while Messiaen was a prisoner of war at the Nazi’s Stalag VIII-A camp, for the unusual combination of piano, clarinet, violin and cello – reflecting the instruments and players who were available at the camp. Its eight movements balance religious certainties with a sense of longing, with titles drawn from the biblical Revelation to John. The music varies from the simple to the complex, from nimble and dancelike, to floating, open harmonies to pulsing fury. The work is considered “majestic” and transcendent.

Following the concert, the audience is invited to a reception with the artists, a holiday toast and a festive dessert.