• September 4, 2022 - 3:00 PM
• Gordon Hall, Music Mountain

Labor Day Benefit Concert

3 PM: Music Mountain Artistic Director, Oskar Espina-Ruiz, clarinet, joins forces with Merz Trio to present Messiaen’s iconic Quartet for the End of Time, considered to be one the most important twentieth-century chamber music compositions. Written and premiered whilst in a German prisoner-of-war camp at the beginning of WWII, the work draws inspiration from birdsong, the composer's deep faith, and Indian ragas. The program also includes works by Korngold, Britten, Shostakovich, and Ravel.

+ 1:30 pm: Pre-Concert Birdsong Walk with Fran Zygmont, Litchfield Hills Audubon Society

COMPLETE CONCERT PROGRAM:

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957): Allegro non troppo, con espressione, from Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): Canto primo: Sostenuto e largamente, from Suite No. 1 for Solo Cello, Op. 72 (1964)
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975): Piano Trio No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 8 
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), arr. Merz Trio: La valse, poème chorégraphique pour orchestre
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992): Quatuor pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time)

Here is the entire schedule for Saturday & Sunday, in case you wish to attend other events taking place during the weekend — 4 events on Saturday and 2 events on Sunday:

FULL SATURDAY SCHEDULE:

11:00 am: Free Family Concert

Designed for families with young children and youth, and open to music lovers of all ages, this is a 50-minute long free interactive performance by the Merz Trio including Q+A and audience participation. Crepe Royale will be on site with sweet and savory crepes made to order. READ MORE & SIGN UP

5:00 pm: Free Program of Poetry

Connecticut’s Poet Laureate, Margaret Gibson will read poems about living as "one body" with the Earth. Author Barbara Bechtolsheim will present a poetic dialogue with Haydn and Beethoven. This event ends at 6:30 pm, allowing all in attendance to enjoy a crepe, a glass of wine, or your own picnic before the 7 pm concert starts. READ MORE & SIGN UP

7:00 pm: Merz Trio “Ink Spills” Ticketed Concert

Merz Trio offers a unique and personal account of Ravel’s Piano Trio, a work he finished penning in 1914 at a time of immense catastrophe and change for Europe and the world. Ranging from the court of Louis XV to the 21st century, the program places Ravel not only within an immensely rich, multinational tradition (French and Basque), but also includes a number of works from the immediate decades around the Trio's composition, interweaving the work with pieces Ravel himself would have known and heard. Throughout the concert, Merz Trio's members will contribute readings of poetry and prose that further illuminate the music and speak to the era. Tickets are $45-55 ($15 for Students; free for ages 18 and under). BUY TICKETS

8:30 pm: Free Stargazing led by Roger Liddell

Join us immediately following the concert to observe the stars with various telescopes (provided) or, if the skies are not clear, for a thrilling presentation in Gordon Hall with recent images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Telescopes are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. READ MORE & SIGN UP

FULL SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

1:30 PM: Free Birdsong Walk

Come to Music Mountain to walk the grounds (weather permitting) with Fran Zygmont of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society and learn about and listen to the birds that live here. Then come into air-conditioned Gordon Hall to learn about the link between birdsong and Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time (hint: Messiaen was a composer and an ornithologist). Open to families and all ages. You are welcome to bring your own binoculars and cameras. READ MORE & SIGN UP

3:00 PM: Music Mountain Benefit Concert

Music Mountain Artistic Director, Oskar Espina-Ruiz, clarinet, joins forces with Merz Trio to present Messiaen’s iconic Quartet for the End of Time, considered to be one the most important twentieth-century chamber music compositions. Written and premiered whilst in a German prisoner-of-war camp at the beginning of WWII, the work draws inspiration from birdsong and Indian ragas. Tickets are $60-70 in Gordon Hall; $15 Lawn (Audio Only); $15 for Students; Free for ages 18 and under. BUY TICKETS

FOOD AT MUSIC MOUNTAIN ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY:

Crepe Royale will be on site with sweet and savory crepes made to order on Saturday.

On Sunday we will open our concessions stand at 12:30 pm, selling refreshments, ice cream, coffee, tea and pastries.

OTHER FAMILY EVENTS IN THE AREA:

Labor Day is typically a busy weekend in our area. In addition to all the wonderful cafes and restaurants, check out THE GOSHEN FAIR, a great annual event.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at info@musicmountain.org.