The Denison University Chamber Singers, conducted by Harris Ipock, present a performance of the oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard.” The performance will feature a chamber ensemble of mostly Denison faculty members, as well as an appearance by the Denison Concert Choir.
Inspired by the 1998 murder of a young gay man in Wyoming, Craig Hella Johnson composed “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a fusion oratorio. Conspirare, GRAMMY® -winning choir, premiered the work in 2016 and later toured the country with performances. Since then, the composition has been performed by more than 30 choirs around the world and selected songs are sung by high school and college choirs, sharing the work’s message of compassion and understanding.
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.