Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson

Sun 05.08.22, 3:00p | St. Andrew’s Lutheran, Mahtomedi

Sun 05.15.22, 3:00p | Ted Mann Concert Hall, U of M

ASL performance will be available on May 15, 2022

Craig Hella Johnson | Considering Matthew Shepard

“Matt Shepard and his story have led me on an inspiring, challenging and deeply meaningful journey that I continue to this day. In composing Considering Matthew Shepard I wanted to create, within a musical framework,  a  space  for  reflection,  consideration  and  unity  around  his life and legacy.” – Craig Hella Johnson, composer

In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in a lonely field under a blanket of stars. Five days later, when Matt passed away, the world was watching. This three-part fusion oratorio speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. Johnson sets 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. – Program note from conspirare.org.

Please note that the concert presents difficult themes and language at times.

Special appearance by members of One Voice Mixed Chorus : Minnesota’s LGBTQ and allies’ chorus and Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

Post-concert discussion after both performances with poet Michael Dennis Brown and other guests.

TICKETS: $30.00 General Admission in advance – $35.00 General Admission at the door, Student Rush Tickets $5.00 at the door

Considering Matthew Shepard – Outstate MN Appearances:

Sat 05.07.22 Carleton College, Northfield

Sat 05.14.22 St. Michael-Albertville High School, St. Michael

Tickets available at venue locations.

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