Music does not divide, music unites – it can overwhelm, give hope or help in times of pain. The sounds of the French composer Olivier Messiaen clearly make these powers perceptible. The musician completed his “Quartet for the End of Time” in the prisoner-of-war camp Stalag VIII A Görlitz, at present-day located in Zgorzelec, where the piece was first performed on 15 January 1941. To commemorate this day, the Messiaen Days have been held at the historic site for several years: a festival for music, history and art all in one.

Messiaen Days 2024

13 – 15 January 2024

End of times? – Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Times” itself anticipates this title – in addition to the events of World War II, which were in the foreground at the time, we would also like to address current global issues in this edition of Messiaen Days. Society is facing great challenges, an often invoked “turn of the times” is necessary wherever we look. With the Messiaen Days 2024, we want to create an access to remembrance and reflection – both on the fates of the over 120,000 prisoners of Stalag VIII A Görlitz, as well as on the events taking place on the territory of Ukraine, and the influence of the crimes committed there on us – here in the border triangle and throughout Europe.

Tickets

Tickets will be available for purchase via this website. Ticket sales will begin in the fall of 2023. Stay up to date by subscribing to our social media channels.