Evento

Lux Aeterna: Music of Morten Lauridsen; a multi-media experience

Morten Lauridsen occupies a leading place on any "greatest living composers" list. His works are regularly performed throughout the world and have appeared on hundreds of recordings, several of which have received Grammy nominations. Perhaps top among his many honors, he was awarded the 2007 National Medal of Arts, the highest artistic award in the United States, for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power, and spiritual depth.

This evening, the concert-goer will experience Morten Lauridsen's radiant genius in two moving presentations:

> By hearing the Kirkland Chamber Singers perform two of his greatest works in their entirety: Les Chansons des Roses, and Lux Aeterna. Together, these are brilliant exposures of that musical beauty, power, and spiritual depth. In addition, Les Chansons des Roses displays a more playful side of his genius.

> Through a film; Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen.

Subtitled A man, an island, and music that moves the world, this feature-length documentary offers a glimpse of the life and music of Mr. Lauridsen. Ast the filmakers note, he spends summers on a remote island in the San Juan Islands, and that musicologist Nick Strimple distinguishes him as 'the only American composer in history who can be called a mystic'.

The film is winner of four Best Documentary awards in US Film Festivals. The filmakers also note, "the film gives audiences a rare encounter with this National Medal of Arts recipient, composer of radiant choral works which inspire humanity and convey a spiritual transmission to singers and audiences alike."

We think audiences will find this a magical evening of experience Morten Lauridsen through music and film.