Inspired by the unique religious expression of the Buddhist Thangkas in the exhibition Buddhist Thangkas and Treasures: The Walter Koelz Collection, the SMTD@UMMA concert series presents a concert of works by the last century’s most enigmatic composer, Olivier Messiaen. Over a long career, Messiaen drew upon birdsong, Catholic mysticism, and the profound relationships of music with time and with color to create a unique style. UM professors Carmen Pelton, Scott Piper, and Martin Katz perform intimate, ecstatic Messiaen song cycles. The deeply moving Quartet for the End of Time, composed during Messiaen’s stay in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, is performed by UM professors Christopher Harding, piano, Anthony Elliot, cello, Stephen Shipps, violin, and Chad Burrow, clarinet. Composer, organist, and UM professor of music theory Andrew Mead discusses notable elements of Messiaen’s work in a pre-concert lecture at 7pm.