Sun 2/27 @ 5PM
Two local arts/performance groups have come together to offer an unusual presentation, part of nomadic classical music chamber ensemble CityMusic Cleveland’s season of “Justice, Equality, Hope.”
When it performs French composer Olivier Messiaen’s 1941 Quartet for the End of Time at the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Slavic Village on Sunday February 27, the backdrop will feature a video performance by dancers from Cleveland-based GroundWorks DanceTheater., shows on a 16’ by 40’ screen. The program is called “Transcendence.”
CityMusic Cleveland pianist Donna Lee says that she explored Messiaen’s ideas about infinity in his music during her doctoral studies, which led to her proposing the idea for the ensemble.
“When I proposed the idea to [CityMusic Cleveland executive director] Eugenia Strauss, she immediately put me in touch with [GroundWorks’] David Shimotakahara,” says Lee. “In David, I have found an inspiring and fulfilling collaborator who has helped to realize this vision that intertwines music and dance in a most artistic and thought-provoking program.”
Messiaen’s work has a compelling background. He composed it while he was a German prisoner of war during World War II (he survived the war and lived until 1992). The piece, which references the Apocalypse, was written for the only instruments he had available in the camp and debuted before fellow prisoners for an audience of prisoners and German army officers.
Musicians for this performance include violinist Miho Hashizume, cellist Keith Robinson, clarinetist Daniel Gilbert and Lee on piano. (The music will be performed live.) The concert also feature the premier of Jungyoon Wie’s “Songs of my Grandmother,” commissioned by CityMusic Cleveland.
As usual, the performance is free; reservations are requested but not required. Go here.