MESSIAEN AT ST JOHN’S: Olivier Messiaen’s music is thrilling, seductive, mysterious, and sensuous in equal measure, and his deep Catholic faith led him to attempt to express all aspects of his belief in music. Here is a opportunity to hear this unique voice in his fantastic organ cycle La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Lord). The meditation is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 December in St John the Evangelist, South Parade, Bath, with David Bednall on the organ and the accompanying readings for each movement will be given as well. The work covers ideas that range from the picturesque (The Shepherds and Magi), the mystical (The Word), and the overwhelming descent of God to Earth in the mighty closing movement. This is music for the dark atmosphere of the church rather than the concert hall, and this is an opportunity to have 80 minutes away from the busy outside world to contemplate the true Christmas message and to perhaps try this extraordinary music for the first time.