Shining Night, a Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen will have its Connecticut Premiere on Tuesday, June 12 at the Wesleyan University Chapel, High Street, Middletown at 7 PM. Sponsored by The Greater Middletown Chorale, this will be the initial showing of the award winning film by Michael Stillwater in New England.
Winner of Best Documentary at the DC Independent Film Festival (2012) and an Honorable Mention at the Los Angeles Movie Awards (2012), and numerous other awards, the film focuses on America’s most frequently performed composer, his music and island life in coastal Washington with luminous photography and sublime sound. It “illuminates the person behind the music, giving us a rare glimpse into its creative source,” according to Tim Sharp, Executive Director, American Choral Director Association. Wall Street Journal columnist Terry Teachout has proclaimed it “a heartening rarity.”
Paul Salamunovich, Dana Gioia and many excellent choirs and directors from around the world are featured. For more information about the film, see www. innerharmony.com/songwithoutborders/
For enthusiastic listeners and singers alike, there will be a Lauridsen “Sing-Through” following the film premiere. Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic Director of the Greater Middletown Chorale will lead those interested in singing through a selection of three Lauridsen songs. Allan Conway, Chorale Accompanist, will be at the piano. Participants will have access to scores for: Sure On This Shining Night, O Magnum Mysterium and Nata Lux from Lux Aeterna.
The Greater Middletown Chorale is a private, non-profit organization providing great music for the people of Connecticut. It is funded with the support of the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts, Middletown Commission on the Arts, Aetna Foundation, Chevron Humankind Grants and Pfizer Foundation.
Tickets for the Shining Night event are $15 and will be available at the door or on-line at www.gmchorale.org
