Three extraordinary sound-worlds collide. Schnittke’s sonata (presented again by popular demand after July’s launch concert) mixes deep mystery, madcap energy, brutality and beauty (and even a touch of boogie-woogie?); the Arensky, with its rich two-cello sound and its justly-famous variations on a Tchaikovsky tune, enters the incense-laden Orthodox church with its mystical chants; while Messiaen’s Quartet, written in the hell of a Nazi prison camp, truly is the music of divine revelations.

Alfred Schnittke Violin sonata no.1

Arensky Quartet in A minor for violin, viola and two cellos, op35

Messiaen extracts from Quartet for the end of time with readings from Four Quartets by T.S.Eliot

Priya Mitchell, Polina Leschenko, Sascha Bota, Julian Arp, Claude Frochaux, Reto Bieri, Julius Drake, Tetiana Lutsyk.

Festival Pass

Experience all the scintillating performances at the Festival under one Festival Pass. The Pass saves £54 compared to purchasing the tickets individually and affords you the greatest level of access. Pass holders have priority access to the venues as soon as doors open to choose their favourite seats ahead of individual ticket holders.

In order to buy a Festival Pass, you will need to select one full price ticket for all eight concerts in your basket. Once you have selected your tickets, your basket will be discounted to £160.

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.