21, 23 and 24 May
10pm,
St Patrick's Cathedral,
East Melbourne

2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of French master Olivier Messiaen. The Australian National Academy of Music Academy celebrates his life and work in a series of special performances featuring acclaimed pianist Michael Kieran Harvey.

Olivier Messiaen’s luminous music is unlike anything else.

Showered with great cascades of colour and light, drenched in rich and exotic harmonies and illuminated by the song of birds and the mystery of God, this distinctive voice has created a contemplative space, a transfi guring still point in the most turbulent decades of the 20th century.

Sounding from the deep and vast stillness of St Patrick’s Cathedral, this celebration of the music of the great 20th century French composer, ornithologist and believer brings together a major lighting installation by acclaimed designer Ben Cobham with performances from some of the country’s leading musicians.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster, phone bookings 136 100.