Considering Matthew Shepard

Event Description

On October 6, 1998, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die in what became an infamous act of brutality, and one of America’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes.

CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD is a 3-part oratorio for soloists, chorus, and chamber orchestra. Written by Craig Hella Johnson, this piece is an evocative and compassionate musical response to Matt’s murder, and a call-to-action that swept the nation.

“Johnson’s ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ demonstrates music’s capacity to encompass, transform and transcend tragedy. Powerfully cathartic, it leads us from horror and grief to a higher understanding of the human condition, enabling us to endure.” – Patrick Rucker (Washington Post)

Featured soloists:
Andrew Love, Matt Shepard
Larissa Koniuk, soprano
Arlene Bautista, alto
Bruce Kelly, bass

**NOTE: This work includes direct quotations of the bigoted words of Westboro Baptist Church members, who picketed Shepard’s funeral. Audience members are warned of strong language and the intense themes in the piece.