Pierre-Laurent Aimard Introduction

London has always been at the forefront of celebrating the music of Olivier Messiaen. Measurer of time and craftsman in sound and colour, Messiaen has influenced generations of composers. His spirituality, his love of nature, and the sheer boldness of his music communicate directly with audiences.

This gentle dreamer with a collector's soul worked independently of contemporary trends - unclassifi able because, piece by piece, he constructed a truly unique language. It is my great wish that this festival, in homage to Messiaen, will illuminate the many aspects of this great original.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Festival Artistic Director From the Canyons to the Stars

Jude Kelly Introduction

In honour of Messiaen's centenary, From the Canyons to the Stars is a year-long celebration of this inspirational musician. Pierre-Laurent Aimard leads us on a journey featuring an international roster of artists, two of Southbank Centre's Resident Orchestras, the Philharmonia and London Sinfonietta, young musicians from the Royal Academy of Music and the world's greatest organists, who perform Messiaen's music in churches and cathedrals around London. We passionately believe in this festival and want you to share in our excitement.

Jude Kelly
Artistic Director Southbank Centre

Gillian Moore Introduction

A potent mixture of ecstatic spirituality, opulent sensuality, vast sonic spaces and a joyous celebration of nature, Messiaen's music seems to contain the whole world and his music continues to inspire musicians from Esa-Pekka Salonen and Mitsuko Uchida, to Radiohead. Lovingly curated by Pierre- Laurent Aimard, the festival brings together a stellar line-up of artists, many of whom had a close association with Messiaen, and ends in December with a concert by Pierre Boulez on Messiaen's actual birthday.

Gillian Moore
Head of Contemporary Culture Southbank Centre