INTERKULTUR congratulates Morten Lauridsen on his 73th birthday

Morten Lauridsen is one of the most famous American composers of choral music. His works are holding a permanent place in the standard vocal repertoire of the 21th Century. Seven vocal cycles, instrumental works and his series of a cappella sacred motets are regularly performed throughout the world by distinguished artists and ensembles. His choral works "O Magnum Mysterium", "Les Chansons des Roses", "O Nata Lux" and "Sure On This Shining Night" are all-time bestsellers.

In 2006, Morten Lauridsen was named an "American Choral Master" by the National Endowment for the Arts. In recognition "for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power, and spiritual depth", the US-President awarded him the National Medal of Arts in 2007, the highest artistic award in the United States.

The lifetime achievement of the composer is not only on about 200 CD recordings, but has been focused of an award-winning documentary by Michael Stillwater, named "Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen," released in 2012.

It's a great honor for INTERKULTUR to have him aboard the Artistic Honorary Presidency. His workshops at the World Choir Games are a special experience for numerous of interested visitors from all parts of the world. Also in November at the INTERKULTUR festival Golden State Choral Trophy in Monterey, USA, Lauridsen will share his long-lasting experience with singers from all over the world. During the choral festival Sing'n'Joy Princeton, which will be held in spring 2017, Morten Lauridsen will work as member of the international jury.

On the occasion of his birthday and in gratitude to his invaluable cooperation, we have produced a short video, which reflects his merits and achievements.