Shining Night: A film by Michael Stillwater
Co-produced by Doris Laesser Stillwater

With commentaries by Robert Geary, Paul Mealor, Dana Gioia, Paul Salamunovich, Alex Shapiro, Ola Gjeilo and others

“Morten Lauridsen reaches into his listeners to brighten what is most ancient, sacred, and beautiful in the human soul, and reveals that it lives within each of us. What we hear in his music is the echo of our own longing – for wonder, for love – embraced and gently, reverently set down in a place of peace. This film does a powerful thing in opening up Lauridsen himself, so that the irresistible connection to and affection for his work becomes even more profoundly personal.” – Tamsin Smith (Social Entrepreneur & Writer)

This film celebrates the life and music of the artist whom musicologist Nick Strimple describes as ‘the only American composer in history who can be called a mystic’. Exploring the relationship of art, nature and spirituality, “Shining Night” reveals the composer through the lens of his love for silence and solitude together with his passion for music and literature, with commentaries from composers, conductors, singers and friends.

Contents:
I. Waldron Island
II. Lux Aeterna: The Creation
III. Lux Aeterna. In the World
IV. College Years
V. Madrigali
VI. Musical Influences
VII. Sa Nuit d’été
VIII. Dirait-on
IX. Soneto de la Noche
X. Sure On This Shining Night
XI. O Magnum Mysterium

Extras:
56-minute Condensed Version
Additional Commentaries
The Universality of Song
Message to Choral Directors
The ‘Shining Night Collection’
Series Trailer
Theatrical Trailers