Angeles Chorale concert April 15 at USC

Mention the name Morten Lauridsen to a fan of choral music and, more than likely, that aficionado will instantly begin – no pun intended – to sing his praises. Lauridsen’s works, after all, have been recorded on over 100 CDs, with three receiving Grammy nominations. Additionally, in 2007, the composer received the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists by the United States government, "for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power and spiritual depth that have thrilled audiences worldwide."



On Sunday, April 15, beginning at 5 p.m. at Town and Gown on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC), Lauridsen will once again be honored, when the Angeles Chorale presents a tribute to the “Shining Knight of Choral Composition.”



“Dr. Lauridsen has been acclaimed around the world, but our tribute just may touch a special place in his heart,” says Sharon Mountford, Board President. “We’re offering a unique opportunity not only to our longtime supporters but also to Morten Lauridsen’s legions of fans throughout Southern California – the chance to share the impact his music has had on their life, whether it’s moved and inspired them, encouraged them, or enlightened them. These submissions will then be included in a Tribute Book, which we’ll present that evening. Most exciting of all, perhaps, we’ll select a few lucky guests to take the microphone and speak to Maestro Lauridsen personally.”



Entertainment will also include a live auction, featuring such Lauridsen memorabilia as vellum pages from various scores, signed by the composer himself, and a screening of the first two chapters of the documentary Shining Night. Released February 7, 2012, Shining Night talks with the Maestro in California, Scotland, and Waldron Island, Washington, on topics ranging from the craft of composition and the power of music to the Maestro’s love of nature. Performances of his masterworks – plus commentaries by an array of Lauridsen’s musical contemporaries – are interwoven throughout the documentary as well.



“Shining Knight” will conclude with a chamber performance of several of Lauridsen’s most beloved works. Classical KUSC radio host Kimberlea Daggy will act as emcee.



“The Angeles Chorale is thrilled that Kimberlea has agreed to join us,” says Rae Macdonald, Executive Director. “As the creator and host of KUSC’s choral music program, Soul Music, she’s the perfect choice to lead our tribute to a composer hailed as an “American Choral Master” by the National Endowment for the Arts.”



“When it comes to music for the soul, no one surpasses Morten Lauridsen,” adds Artistic Director John Sutton, who will present the Tribute Book to Lauridsen. “The musicologist and conductor Nick Strimple has said that the Maestro is the ‘only American composer in history who can be called a mystic,’ whose music answers all the questions. But, actually, there is one question remaining: what will Morten Lauridsen write next? Because Angeles Chorale can’t wait to sing it.”



Angeles Chorale’s tribute to the “Shining Knight” will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception and silent auction. Dinner and the program will follow at 6 p.m.



Town and Gown is located at the University of Southern California, 665 Exposition Blvd in Los Angeles. Tickets cost $125/person, which includes hosted parking. Reservations are requested by April 7. To receive an invitation or submit material to the Tribute Book, email the Angeles Chorale at tribute@angeleschorale.org or call 818.591.1735.