About Considering Matthew Shepard (from the “Conspirare” site (original presenters of the piece, and founded by the composer, Craig Hella Johnson)
‘This is about all of us.’
Matthew Shepard oratorio remains painfully relevant in 2025. 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 Michael Dennis Browne, Lesléa Newman, Hildegard of Binge 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.
Performances Sunday morning service at 9:30 am, and a 6:30 pm community performance.
