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Considering Matthew Shepard is an exceptional musical tribute to an “ordinary boy.” First performed in 2016, this modern oratorio explores Matthew’s life, death and legacy.

Composer Craig Hella Johnson observed, “The piece actually became a whole lot more thanjust the story of the suffering. It needed to become this larger invitation to return to love, andto remember who we are as human beings, in the deepest sense of our essence.”

Johnson’s music incorporates several music styles: classical, Gospel, spiritual, rock, jazz, even Gregorian chant. The text is also diverse, ranging from author Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies) to the 12th mystic Hildegard of Bingen, from Matthew’s personal journal to the epithets hurled by protesters at his funeral. Considering Matthew Shepard is moving, challenging, and ultimately uplifting.

The Rhode Island Gay Men's Chorus will also perform, opening the concert with selections that include a world premiere of a work by their artistic director, composer Kim Kuda. Several local LGBTQ+ organizations will be joining the Providence Singers for a pre-concert networking event to share their mission with guests.
https://www.providencesingers.org/considering-matthew-shepard

This program is made possible in part by grants and sponsorships from the Providence Tourism Council, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and Choral Arts New England.