The Ritz Chamber Players (RCP) invite the community to a moving and powerful musical tribute, “The Ties That Bind,” in commemoration of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). This profound concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University. Admission is free and open to the public.
Yom HaShoah is a time to honor the memory of those lost in the Holocaust and to reflect on the enduring lessons of history. Through “The Ties That Bind,” the Ritz Chamber Players will explore the deep historical connections between our communities and the unbreakable bonds that unite us — highlighting the shared struggles and the universal power of resilience, remembrance and solidarity.
At the heart of this program is Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time,” a masterpiece composed during his captivity in Stalag VIII-A, a World War II prisoner-of-war camp in Görlitz, Germany. This haunting and transcendent composition, written under unimaginable conditions, showcases the indomitable human spirit and the ability of music to bring light to even the darkest moments of history.
“This concert is a testament to the transformative power of music as a force for remembrance and unity,” says Terrance L. Patterson, founder, executive, and artistic director of the Ritz Chamber Players. “Messiaen’s quartet, created in the face of immense suffering, reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. Through this performance, we honor those who endured the horrors of the Holocaust and reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding and solidarity.”
Messiaen, a deeply religious composer, drew inspiration from the New Testament’s Book of Revelation, channeling his faith into piece-evoking themes of eternity, hope and transcendence. He premiered his work in 1941 inside the prison camp alongside three fellow prisoners using damaged and limited instruments. This work serves as a powerful symbol of hope and artistic triumph over adversity.
Mariam Adam makes her debut performance with the Ritz Chamber Players, playing the clarinet. Returning artists are Terrence Wilson on piano, Ashley Horne on violin and Khari Joyner on cello.
Terry Concert Hall is located at 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville. To reserve free tickets, go to: eventbrite.com/e/ritz-chamber-players-the-ties-that-bind-registration-1048238859647?aff=oddtdtcreator.
For more information about the Ritz Chamber Players and upcoming events, go to ritzchamberplayers.org.
