Michael Stillwater is a multifaceted individual with a rich background in music, encompassing roles as composer, performer, and educator. He is the founder of Inner Harmony and Song Without Borders, a production agency that serves as a project of the US nonprofit organization Living Bridges.
In collaboration with his wife, Doris Laesser Stillwater, Michael has produced a documentary series, "In Search of the Great Song", which spanned from 2012 to 2019. The series consists of three films, each delving into the world of music and the human experience.
The first film, "Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen", received widespread acclaim, earning four Best Documentary awards and a nomination for a fifth. The film explores the life and music of Morten Lauridsen, a renowned American choral composer who has received the National Medal of Arts. The film was broadcast on KCET in Southern California and is distributed worldwide by Hal Leonard Corporation and Hanssler Classic/Naxos.
Michael's second documentary, "In Search of the Great Song: Fifty voices. Twelve Countries. One Question.", is a thought-provoking exploration of the common creative pulse that runs throughout the world, expressed through various forms of art, faith, and science. The film received two Best Documentary awards and is distributed by Beyond Words publishing in the US and world, as well as J. Kamphausen Verlag in German-speaking countries.
The third and final film in the series, "Beyond the Fear of Singing: Unlock Your Voice, Release Your Song", delves into the theme of self-expression and the healing journey of embracing one's true voice. The film explores the widening gap between those who perform and those who do not, and the global grassroots movement towards appreciating our natural song. The film was released in April 2019.
Michael has also collaborated with film composer Gary Malkin on several projects, including "Graceful Passages: A Companion for Living and Dying" and "Care for the Journey: Messages and Music for Sustaining the Heart of Healthcare", which have provided comfort and insight to thousands.
Born in Washington, DC in 1953, Michael has lived on the West Coast of the US until 2006, in Switzerland from 2006-2017, and currently resides in Finland with his wife, Doris Laesser Stillwater, who is also a psychologist and co-producer of the film series.
