Des canyons aux étoiles
In 2014 images of the Grand Canyon were projected above the musicians during concerts of Des canyons aux étoiles, a key work of Messiaen, in the great concert halls in De Doelen in Rotterdam, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and in the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf, Germany. Performed by the DoelenEnsemble and Notabu Ensemble Neue Musik and conducted by Arie van Beek. Messiaen was inspired by the spectacular and colourful canyons in Utah and Arizona. The images were specifically selected to make the musical and visual languages work together to create a sophisticated audiovisual experience for the visitors. The images were made by me in 2004.
Messiaen composed Des canyons aux étoiles in 1974, commissioned by the American arts patron Alice Tully in honor of the 200 year anniversary of the Declaration of Indepence.