Performances + Events
Olivier Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus
Williams Hall
This monumental cycle is one of Messiaen’s most profound works, blending his unique harmonic language, complex rhythms, and deeply spiritual themes. Each of its 20 movements offers a distinct regard (or perspective) on the Christ child, ranging from mystical contemplation to ecstatic expressions of faith.
The piece weaves together bird songs, Indian rhythms, and Messiaen’s synesthetic approach to harmony and color. It demands not only technical mastery but also a deep understanding of its theological and musical symbolism.
By presenting the complete cycle as a collaborative studio effort, this performance showcases the diversity of interpretation while honoring the grandeur and emotional depth of Messiaen’s work. It promises to be an extraordinary and immersive experience for both performers and audiences alike—an event not to be missed!
Artist(s)
Qianfeng Jing, '25 MM
Aine Oda, '28 BM
Michael Huiqun Wu, '25 MM
Loren Kim, '25 BM
Kevin Zhuoya Zhu, '23 BM, '25 MM
Joy Chen, '24 MM, '25 GD
Joseph Vasconi, '23 BM, '25 MM
Stanley Shang-yi Kao, '28 BM
Bairun Lu, '23 BM, '25 MM
Bowen Li, '26, GD
Rain Siyu Leng, '27 BM
Wei Tong, '28 BM
Yizhe Wu, '28 BM
Peter Yide Shi, '25 BM
I. Regard du Père (“Contemplation of the Father”)
II. Regard de l'étoile (“Contemplation of the star”)
Qianfeng Jing '25 MM
III. L'échange (“The exchange”)
IV. Regard de la Vierge (“Contemplation of the Virgin”)
Aine Oda '28 BM
V. Regard du Fils sur le Fils (“Contemplation of the Son upon the Son”)
Michael Huiqun Wu '25 MM
VI. Par Lui tout a été fait (“Through Him everything was made”)
Loren Kim '25 BM
VII. Regard de la Croix (“Contemplation of the Cross”)
Kevin Zhuoya Zhu '23 BM, '25 MM
VIII. Regard des hauteurs (“Contemplation of the heights”)
Joy Chen '24 MM, '25 GD
IX. Regard du temps (“Contemplation of time”)
X. Regard de l'Esprit de joie (“Contemplation of the joyful Spirit”)
oseph Vasconi '23 BM, '25 MM
- Intermission -
XI. Première communion de la Vierge (“The Virgin's first communion”)
XII. La parole toute-puissante (“The all-powerful word”)
Stanley Shang-yi Kao '28 BM
XIII. Noël (“Christmas”)
XIV. Regard des Anges ("Contemplation of the Angels”)
Bairun Liu '23 BM, '25 MM
XV. Le baiser de l'Enfant-Jésus (“The kiss of the Infant Jesus”)
Bowen Li '26 GD
XVI. Regard des prophètes, des bergers et des Mages (“Contemplation of the prophets, the shepherds and the Magi”)
Rain Siyu Leng '27 BM
XVII. Regard du silence (“Contemplation of silence”)
Wei Tong '28 BM
XVIII. Regard de l'Onction terrible (“Contemplation of the awesome Anointing”)
XIX. Je dors, mais mon cœur veille (“I sleep, but my heart keeps watch”)
Yizhe Wu '28 BM
XX. Regard de l'Eglise d'amour (“Contemplation of the Church of love”)
Peter Yide Shi '25 BM
