Messiaen At 100: A Life of Music, A Life of Faith

Recorded Live: Sunday, April 13, 2008, 9:30 am PST

G U E S T :

• Messiaen At 100: A Life of Music, A Life of Faith
  Filmmaker Paul Festa, conductor Jean-Louis LeRoux, and Grace Cathedral's Director of Music Jeffrey Smith

Moderated by : The Very Rev. Alan Jones,
Dean of Grace Cathedral

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About the Program:

Olivier Messiaen was a deeply religious man, composer, organist, and ornithologist - a combination of passions that would put a unique brand on his music - drawing equally from Greek and Hindu rhythms, his desire to convey spiritual ideas, and the beauty of birdsong. This Forum is part of our series of programs and events in tribute to the life and work of Olivier Messiaen this spring.

"I think of being ten years old and singing my heart out in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in an annual performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. A ten year old in that great space singing that great music. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing but I knew the space and the music were doing something to me." - Alan Jones

What is this something that music does to us? Why is it such an important part of so many religions? Alan Jones will be joined by filmmaker Paul Festa, conductor Jean-Louis LeRoux, and Director of Music Jeffrey Smith to discuss these questions and many more.

Click here for information about our screening of Paul Festa's award-winning film, Apparition of the Eternal Church, on April 18.