Special Event

Mars, the War Planet: Shostakovich’s War Quartet with the LSQ

16 February 2025
7:30pm
£20

The Liverpool String Quartet performs Shostakovich under the gaze of Mars.

The Liverpool String Quartet performs Shostakovich under the gaze of Mars.

We are delighted to welcome back Norton Priory’s Ensemble in Residence – The Liverpool String Quartet. Under the gaze of Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ it seems fit that they are performing one of the great String Quartets – Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 3 the ‘War Quartet’. The programme will include other pieces suited to the spectacular setting.

At the premiere, given by the Beethoven Quartet in Moscow in December of 1946, it was presented as a programmatic “war quartet.” Its five movements contained the subtitles, “Calm unawareness of the future cataclysm,” “Rumblings of unrest and anticipation,” “The forces of war unleashed,” “Homage to the dead,” and “The eternal question: Why? And for what?” Immediately after the performance, Shostakovich withdrew the subtitles, without explanation. The programmatic titles imply music appropriate for a propagandistic newsreel. Strangely, they seem designed to conceal the Quartet’s true depth and drama.

Premium seating is available in the front 3 rows with the best views of the stage and 'Mars'. Tickets from £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £16 for Children under 16.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this stunning show.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

50% off entry
£11.50  £5.75 Standard entry price
IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1SX
01928 569895

Opening times

10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Winter)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Summer)

Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Open Thursday during school holidays.

Exclusions and safety measures

The Walled Garden is open 12pm - 4pm during the summer season only.

Pre-booked ticket recommended for best prices.

Entry via the main entrance in museum visitor centre.

Visitor information

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

The more you see, the more we do.

The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.