On October 10, GRAMMY®-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare and composer Craig Hella Johnson perform the choral drama Considering Matthew Shepard, an evocative and compassionate inquiry into acceptance inspired by a young gay man whose legacy sparked significant change in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The work offers audiences a chance to explore themes of anti-hate, compassion, and understanding in a powerful way. The story invites audience members to consider how we “other” people and how we can move towards acceptance. While Matthew’s untimely death occurred 25 years ago, these conversations remain relevant in today’s time of deep division. 

This three-part choral drama speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. In addition to the world-class choral performance by the Conspirare ensemble, Hella 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 Hella Johnson and Browne are poignantly appointed throughout the work. The final movement will feature more than 500 local choir singers, led by Philadelphia conductors Rollo Dilworth and Dr. Jay Fluellen.

The intimate Downstage @ the Mann performance setting offers the ideal environment in which to explore this stunning work in an engaging, welcoming way. The work aims to instill a renewed sense of acceptance, introspection, unity – and above all – hope in all those who attend. 

“‘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.” 
– The Washington Post
 
“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