Considering Matthew Shepard

25 years ago, an ordinary boy changed the world.

Considering Matthew Shepard is a powerful musical journey about the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was tragically murdered in Wyoming in 1998. In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of Matthew’s untimely death, Coro Vocati will perform a concert version of the acclaimed oratorio, which the choir originally presented as a full-scale production in 2019 to great critical acclaim.

Composed by Craig Hella Johnson, Considering Matthew Shepard incorporates a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. The music is set to a wide range of poetic and soulful texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi. Passages from Matt’s personal journal, interviews, and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, newspaper reports, and additional texts by Johnson and Browne are poignantly appointed throughout the work. According toThe Washington Post: “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.”

COVID-19 Information:

Coro Vocati is mindful of the risks associated with Covid-19 and its impact on our community. People who are at high risk for severe illness are encouraged to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth when attending Coro Vocati concerts. People with symptoms, a positive Covid test, or exposure to someone with Covid-19 should wear a mask if they choose to attend Coro Vocati concerts.

Covid-19 protocols are subject to change; we continue to monitor local, state, and federal policies regarding indoor activities and plan our safety protocols accordingly. Any changes to specific health and safety protocols will be clearly communicated to ticket holders in advance. Thank you for your support.