Considering Matthew Shepard

This concert-length passion-style oratorio sets the scene and shares the story of and events surrounding the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student in Wyoming. Through compelling texts and accessible musical styles, Considering Matthew Shepard avoids easy clichés or political posturing and instead cultivates and invites compassion and empathy. “We tell each other stories, so that we will remember” becomes the central theme of the work. The tragedy of Matthew’s death brought LGBTQ-related issues to the forefront of the American conscience, but this musical work focuses on his ordinary humanity and offers an opportunity to substantively reflect on the meaning and impact of his life and death.

Considering Matthew Shepard includes musical depictions of actual events surrounding Matthew’s murder and therefore includes words and images that reference extreme violence, death, hate, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.