University of Utah Singers-Sure on this Shining Night

Sure on this Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen.
The University of Utah Singers performed this piece on October 26, 2008 at Libby Gardner Hall in Salt Lake City, UT. Dr. Brady Allred conducted with Laurel Enke at the piano. The University of Utah Singers is a 45-voice ensemble that has won international acclaim as the winner of the 2006 Grand Prix International Choir Competition in Tolosa, Spain. More information and additional performances are available on their youtube channel "uofutahsingers" and at their website, www.singers.utah.edu.

[@cappellanorth]

What an accompanist.....so sensitive,so timely and so gutsy!

[@MrDuboce]

Laurel Enke plays beautifully in this, as always.

[@KimSherrill]

Of all the performances of this piece on youtube as well as two professional recordings I own, this one is the very best. It is the most nuanced, the tenderest, the most polished, of them all. The young voices give it a tender innocence that is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is sung with so much heart, it never fails to move me. Bravo, bravo, choir.

[@magnificatanimamea2353]

I do agree. Utah version is the best so far.

[@MrDuboce]

It really is stunning, just perfect.

[@rochellepfleger2325]

I Completely agree!

[@AlpineMozart]

For me the best one belongs to the LA Chorale.

[@ruthsadasivan623]

Agreed

[@ellen823ful]

Lovely men’s voices. Lovely women’s voices, too. I could understand the lyrics. Just adore this song!

[@happygirl8298]

Incredibly moving and a beautiful performance by all.

[@isaacthom34]

Utah knows how to sing! I'm a choral conductor and I have sung in choirs with Morten Lauridsen at the piano accompanying his compositions many times. Despite those who want to critique every part of this video, I want to say this is a fine choir and a beautiful performance. The choir captured the essence and spirit of the song and they sang with great feeling and beauty.

[@TiGoave5]

This piece of music holds dear my memories of finishing high-school. I've never sang with such a fine group of musicians, even ten years later. Missing them terribly.

[@josephcook9985]

It’s amazing how music can do that… What high school did you go to? Must have been an amazing choir to sing this!

[@Soor101]

Musicality is exquisite... They feel this in their heart, making it gorgeous

[@tedphillips2501]

Warning: Competent choral music will change you - for the better.

[@NicholasWilliamss]

I agreed, that competent choir music will change you but competent, energetic choir music will change you even further!

[@jondoyle44]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ life changing...

[@carolexo7269]

Love it!

[@warrenkawamoto8660]

If you ever feel stressed and overwhelmed, play this and close your eyes.....

[@kseismoloj]

Search for: "O Magnum Mysterium" & "Dirait 'on" (both Morten Lauridsen pieces), "Lux Aurumque" by Eric Whitacre, and "Amor de mi Alma" by Z. Randall Stroope. Those are some of my favorites!

[@ihowell83]

I haven't seen very many choirs that are listening to each other and watching the director so intently. I could listen to this over and over again forever.

[@lionsmaine1238]

Probably my favorite choral piece ever. No piece has ever made me cry as much as this has.

[@gardnervarietymom3]

me too

[@ralphbarhydt8974]

This is a wonderful group, but the pianist is the best I have heard on all the videos I have watched of this fantastic piece by Morton Lauridsen.

[@nevermorefarm]

This piece is so hard to sing, for all its apparent simplicity. This performance is completely brilliant and draws out all the emotion contained in Agee's verse.

[@elliegrace1659]

it is! my choir is singing it and its so hard.

[@MrDuboce]

You are so right. Often, the simplicity of a perfect performance disguises its complexity. I sang this years ago with a chorus, and as a bass, I loved it because we finally got to do something wonderful other than sing foundational chords.

[@ezspock]

Music is a powerful thing, I arrived home late from a very rough day, beaten down by the day's issues, and a feeling of hopelessness. In my prayers I prayed for some peace and then ran across this lovely song done so gracefully. After playing it several times I was reminded of the one true shining light. Thank you so very much for posting this as it has become one of my favorite songs. Bravo.

[@lizmyers3650]

I totally agree. I'm using this composition for our women's ensemble this Christmas season because I hear the divine spirituality in it and "this shining night" reminds me of one so long ago in Bethlehem. An strong example of how music lifts us to a higher plane of existence.

[@drsaxophone1]

incredible ... far and away the best recording of this amazing work and Brady Allred conjures up the free spirit and continuous rubato of Lauridsen

[@L100Meganium]

About halfway through this video, my cheeks felt mysteriously tickly and cold. Then I realized I was crying. ;-; Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

[@MrDuboce]

That happens to me at 3:03 - 3:15.

[@philipdeacon1920]

I was lucky to have sung this (pre-Covid) in a community choir. It is absolutely lovely.

[@cutiepieofsingapore]

when I close my eyes im transported into another world

[@charismacake04]

Lauridsen is a genius. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece (and many of his others).

[@MrDuboce]

I just can't get enough of this piece. I've listened to it a thousand times.

[@williambillings4702]

This is an exquisite performance of a Morten Lauridsen work now frequently performed in high school choral contests. The words are taken from a poem by James Agee.

[@Lynduh47]

I applaud this group and director for one of the most sensitive renditions of this work I have ever heard. What a lucky choir to work with this conductor. You are all blessed.

[@PhilippeFromFrance]

I cannot find the words to express the joy I am feeling and all my gratitude to you for so much talent and generosity. Merci :)

[@danielrenoud-grappin3224]

+PhilippeFromFrance En pleine empathie avec vous/toi. Peace over the world now!

[@syllavr4584]

Jesus, every time i listen to this, i get shivers down my spine.

[@robertssje]

I am listening to this choral masterwork with tears running down my face. I don't cry easily and this music is pure gift. Thank you, Maestro Lauridsen, for touching a human heart.

[@tlawless001]

I am singing this song in an hour for my high school choir's concert. I am beyond excited.

[@ryliecline7644]

howd it go

[@guapogotguap414]

@@ryliecline7644 they are out of highschool and in college rn xD

[@lionsmaine1238]

That moment when you stumble across a beautiful song Casually crying ;_;

[@Dtn4life]

Debussy 😭😢

[@pbj4toast]

I love it, have sung it too. After hearing several versions of the song I believe this is the best.

[@karyngoff20]

No words exist to adequately express the beauty of music such as this. It leaves me stunned and breathless. Bravo....

[@MNBluestater]

This is absolutely stunning. Sent shivers through me and tears to my eyes. Great use of rubato and ritardando. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@RUGTP]

I had to wipe some tears. Thank you!

[@renitashelton7354]

This is surely one of the most beautiful selections of music and greatest performances thereof that I have had the pleasure of listening to. Morten Lauridsen is a gifted composer,. The talented voices that performed this classical work "Sure on this Shining Night," caused me to be swept with emotions as I also experienced what I can only describe as a Divine moment in the peaks and valleys of the music. Excellent performance!

[@kayleighbaker7802]

I sang this in my choir in 2017. I love it. It gets stuck in my head sometimes. I love singing, especially in a choir. Due to The Virus of 2020 I haven't been able to sing in a choir and listening to this piece in both ears with the sound on high, remembering being on the stage and letting the piano just wash over me as I sing with all the passion I've got... **sigh** I did cry. A little. God, I want to go back.

[@JanetESmith-er8sk]

If I were to question God it would be about Agee’s demise. Alcoholism? ALCOHOLISM??????? This supremely gifted poet exited this world because of a disease caused by alcohol!!! There is no way I can wrap my head around that!!!

[@mirensummers7633]

this is a really good performance and recording, strong male singers and good balance

[@kuoben7398]

Sure on this shining night Of star made shadows round, Kindness must watch for me This side the ground. The late year lies down the north. All is healed, all is health. High summer holds the earth. Hearts all whole. Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand'ring far alone Of shadows on the stars.

[@oucutie1]

Kuo Ben Thank you 🙏 for the lyrics! James Agee/ Morten Lauridsen. From the earth but not ‘of’ it!

[@susanmiller1231]

Thanks from me as well. My choir sang it a year or so ago, and it is so beautiful. I had forgotten the words🙏🏼

[@eduardotorres9743]

All is healed, all is health. Hearts are whole! The words we need to hear.

[@domenicarafferty]

Simply beautiful. Thank you.

[@sallyperce4499]

Listen to this over and over - absolutely delightful. Wow - thank you. Such artistry. THANK YOU!!

[@IAmRaiderII]

That chord halfway through just brings tears to my eyes every single time I listen to this. Intense, delicate, and beyond beautiful.

[@BartendingAndBaseball]

2:28. Pure brilliance all around. Thank you Morten. Thank you University of Utah. Thank you to conductor and accompanist. What an absolutely flooring climax to this piece.

[@MattPalkaUEChoralConcerts]

I'm so grateful I did this in high school for NYSSMA. It's entire being will stick with me forever. Truly.

[@07Squeaks]

This makes me so happy

[@oucutie1]

This rendition of the Agee poem is the best rendition of all!! There are many fine performances of this Lauridsen/Agee work, but, THIS performance is the gold standard!

[@pantonality]

Agreed! The phrasing and dynamics are superb, as is the sound. If there's a quality recording of this I'd love to hear it.

[@tylerstieren4407]

'I weep for wond'r wandering far alone.' this line gives me chills every time.

[@xjroseexxo]

We're performing this song in our Touring Choir. Let me just say, it's unlike any other song I've performed. There are so many wonderful parts in this piece that just gives you complete chills and if it's performed right, with a nice blended voice. Oooh~ You feel out of this world. You don't even think about the music anymore. You're just so indulged by the beautiful voices surrounding you that you lose yourself and just become music.

[@alexdbaum]

One of the best performances. Excellent balance and phrasing.

[@WeiZheLi]

I sang this song at the choir. It still gives me goose bump every time I hear it :)

[@sjefvlee]

This is my introduction to both Lauridsen and the Utah singers. A beautiful song and a perfect interpretation.

[@MrDuboce]

As an alum of this organization, I'm thrilled to see they are doing so well. This particular choir has an outstanding bunch of sopranos.

[@choirkitty]

Memories of singing with my Sigma Alpha Iota sisters and Phi Mu Alpha brothers. Absolutely breathtaking and beautiful :)

[@tommccaffrey7919]

Heavenly! Dr. Allred is to be complimented. Sensitive playing by Laurel Enke .....sublime!

[@leahkatie0]

Sure on this shining night Of starmade shadows round Kindness must watch for me This side the ground The late year lies down the north All is healed, all is health High summer holds the earth Hearts all whole Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder Wandering far alone Of shadows on the stars

[@eharmerdionne]

This stunning rendition of this beautiful piece is bringing peace to my troubled soul. I first heard it in December 2019, after my father died, and I periodically return to it. Pure transcendence. Thank you!

[@wilmamolinaro8887]

lovely blend...the best performance i have heard of this beautiful choral song!

[@MrSpiewok]

Amazing! Greetings from Poland ;)

[@Norwegian816]

I have listened to several video clips of the University of Utah Singers and I am amazed at the control and absolute beauty of sound they produce. This is one of the finest, if not the best rendition of this beautiful piece I have ever heard. Thank you for sharing it.

[@GerardWay4President]

Amazing dynamic Contrast!

[@kevinhisle2159]

Anyone who has sung in University choir just appreciates how spectacular this performance is.. and fills you with memories of life.

[@msballer822]

I listen to this every day!

[@KyThymer]

One of my all-time favorites, and a beautiful, graceful performance of it. Every time I listen to it, I can just hear the stars shimmer. Happy sigh.

[@sydable4]

I'm speechless.

[@fourmy1060]

This is purely wonderful. I can listen to it again and again and again without ever tiring, and with the same tears in my eyes. It is so magic how the singers are all more than present, truly in the amazing moment they are creating; their diction and breathing are faultless, the phrases flow to eternity and we can only marvel and say thank you. 2:44 is perhaps the best moment of any... or is it the hushed awe of the final seconds?

[@MrDuboce]

I've listened to this at least 500 times. I just can't get enough of it. "Thy summer holds the earth. Hearts all whole."

[@samcalvo32]

WOW! that was amazing!

[@lynnnieto6178]

I so scholered in this music, style and greatness of a gone friend from Utah State U in Sandy, I honor him with my memories, John Marion Cooksey.....LDN

[@willsloan8358]

My high school chamber choir is about to do this song in concert. It truly is a peice of art

[@Rardsley]

This is one of my all-time top favourite choral pieces. Lauridsen rocks!!!

[@jmwinterblume]

Es ist einfach unglaublich schön!! Gänsehaut! UNGLAUBLICH!!! Ich wünschte, wir würden es in unserem Chor auch singen!! I love it!

[@daltoncrocker9589]

Yay! We're singing this in Honors Chorus!

[@6543211123]

This moved me to tears!

[@NellmonsterRAWR]

One of the most beautiful choirs on the earth singing one of the prettiest pieces I know. We've been singing this is choir and I love it more and more every time.

[@rawres]

This conductor is awesome.

[@DanceSingMusic09]

Very well executed, all of the consonants came before the beat and it was truly beautiful to listen to the dynamics, this piece can move a person if sang right, and it was definitely sang right here! Thumbs up!

[@jovie1995]

my highschool choir sang this song. it was amazing. my all time favorite choir peice.

[@Barghist]

thanks for sharing your lovely film, davey3676 - this is such s lovely performance, itwould be very hard to fault and I'm not going to try! What an accomplished young choir!

[@ill8always8be8kezia]

Can't wait to do this song at Districts. :)

[@Lauren5520]

This choir did such a beautiful job!

[@jonnyboygq]

great recording! perfect audience to really enjoy the music!

[@dhaerby335]

Lovely sound approach by the tenor parts from 1:04. Very Heavenly with a subliming effect!!! BEAUTIFUL.

[@ivtch51]

Superb! Sung with such tenderness.

[@Latestscarab70]

I sang this for my last year in chior even before, i was listening to this

[@Simply1Georgie]

Words can't even begin to say how exciting I am to get to have performed a Randall Stroope peice under the direction of Dr. Stroope last fall, and this fall Oklahoma State is doing a concert with two guest conductors, one of which is Morten Lauridsen himself (And Harris!) and we will be doing this for one of his pieces. I am ecstatic about it and cannot wait! Go Pokes

[@cellopiano1990]

If I could give this song 6 stars I would!!!!!

[@tylerstieren4407]

Literally love this song so much

[@robertdwilhelm]

When I hear music such as this, and by singers who can sing like this, it opens my mind to the universe, and I feel for a moment like I have transcended above the pettiness of humanity, and allows heaven to open to my view......for just a moment. Thank you for sharing.

[@nerdyandcurvy]

holy cow. the massachusetts all-state choir is singing this this year and it is absolutely gorgeous and i am so so so excited.

[@jmadas14guitar]

777 likes and 7 dislikes. That's crazy! Beautiful song. Getting ready to sing it for Districts this year!

[@ashlyngraceee]

Literally one of the BEST choral songs performed ever, solely due to the musicality. It kills me every time.

[@donpkra]

ahhh this is thrilling to listen to ! What sensitive singing and accompaniment - Gorgeous inspiriing piece of music ! BRAVO !

[@carli3221]

They make this song sound hopeful, when my school choir sings it, it sounds so aerie.

[@chramber1992]

wow...gave me chills..... :)

[@literallyallthingsonice]

I love performing this song.. so much. Morten is wonderful, and Agee was a genius!

[@jensteli]

What a gorgeous performance of a sublime piece! Could never grow tired of this one!

[@mirandusings]

What an amazing choir. I'm particularly impressed with the rich, unified sound coming from the men.

[@eekaboli]

Heck yes!! :) Love the music this year. It's incredible.

[@patmurphy6984]

How can people give a "thumbs down" to this piece? It's absolutely gorgeous! I get chills listening to these awesome voices and this beautiful piece of music!

[@dollartwenty]

absolute magic!

[@jimhsix2]

This is the best version on the web.

[@pwags4]

The confidence and passion in the voices is breathtaking. The choir obviously trusts Dr. Allred. What a beautiful rendition of a stirring, stirring piece. Thank you.

[@ken800404]

really a beautiful piece ... and an awesome choir !!!

[@daynajewson4624]

An amazingly beautiful piece which speaks volumes to me as a new widow.