The 40-Hour Vexations

An Experimental Piano Concert of Endurance and Inspiration

Ten pianists. Forty hours. One extraordinary musical journey through Erik Satie's hypnotic masterpiece.

Event Details

Join us for a 40-hour piano marathon from October 17th at 10 am - 19th to 2 am at the historic St Pancras Clock Tower.

This performance is dedicated to supporting Help Musicians charity, which empowers music creators across the UK.

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Fundraising Progress

£5 raised Goal: £300

Help us reach our goal to make this performance possible

What Is This?

A groundbreaking interpretation of Erik Satie's legendary composition

Erik Satie's "Vexations" (1893) is one of the most provocative pieces in classical music history. This brief, melancholic motif is meant to be repeated 840 times, creating a hypnotic performance that challenges our concepts of time, endurance, and musical experience.

Our ambitious project brings together ten accomplished pianists for a continuous 40-hour performance. This isn't just a concert, it's an exploration of human endurance, musical meditation, and the transformative power of repetition.

40 Hours of Music
840 Repetitions
10 Pianists
1 Masterpiece

Supporting Help Musicians

This fundraiser is in aid of Help Musicians charity

Help Musicians is a charity that is powered by music, which is why they empower and support those who create it and make it happen.

For over 100 years, Help Musicians has been working hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK. In a precarious profession often filled with ups and downs, opportunities are hard-won whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues. Help Musicians offers a broad range of help to support music creators in times of crisis and opportunity - ensuring musicians across the UK can achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.

100+ Years of Support
UK Wide Coverage
Music Powered
Lives Changed
🎵 Learn More About Help Musicians 🎵 Donate to Help Musicians

The Performers

Ten dedicated pianists committed to this extraordinary musical journey

Francesco Pio Gennarelli
Matthew Lee Knowles
Jelena Makarova
Maya-Leigh Rosenwasser
Neil Georgeson
Aidan Chan
Edward Tait
Xuanxin Chen
Ben Smith
Thomas Ang

Performance Schedule

The complete 40-hour performance timetable - October 17th to 19th

Friday, October 17th

10:00 – 11:19
Francesco Pio Gennarelli
28 repetitions
11:19 – 12:39
Matthew Lee Knowles
28 repetitions
12:39 – 13:59
Maya-Leigh
28 repetitions
13:59 – 15:19
Xuanxin Chen
28 repetitions
15:19 – 16:39
Ben Smith
28 repetitions
16:39 – 17:58
Aidan Chan
28 repetitions
17:58 – 19:18
Thomas Ang
28 repetitions
19:18 – 20:38
Jelena Makarova
28 repetitions
20:38 – 21:58
Edward Tait
28 repetitions
21:58 – 23:18
Neil Georgeson
28 repetitions
23:18 – 00:37
Francesco Pio Gennarelli
28 repetitions

Saturday, October 18th

00:37 – 01:57
Matthew Lee Knowles
28 repetitions
01:57 – 03:17
Maya-Leigh
28 repetitions
03:17 – 04:37
Xuanxin Chen
28 repetitions
04:37 – 05:57
Ben Smith
28 repetitions
05:57 – 07:16
Aidan Chan
28 repetitions
07:16 – 08:36
Thomas Ang
28 repetitions
08:36 – 09:56
Jelena Makarova
28 repetitions
09:56 – 11:16
Edward Tait
28 repetitions
11:16 – 12:36
Neil Georgeson
28 repetitions
12:36 – 13:55
Francesco Pio Gennarelli
28 repetitions
13:55 – 15:15
Maya-Leigh
28 repetitions
15:15 – 16:35
Edward Tait
28 repetitions
16:35 – 17:55
Xuanxin Chen
28 repetitions
17:55 – 19:15
Ben Smith
28 repetitions
19:15 – 20:34
Aidan Chan
28 repetitions
20:34 – 21:54
Thomas Ang
28 repetitions
21:54 – 23:15
Jelena Makarova
28 repetitions
23:15 – 00:36
Matthew Lee Knowles
28 repetitions

Sunday, October 19th

00:36 – 02:00
Neil Georgeson
28 repetitions
Final Performance

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Join our community of music lovers and supporters. Stay updated on rehearsals, behind-the-scenes content, and the countdown to our 40-hour performance.

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