The Tidewater Singers and Chesapeake College will present the inspirational oratorio, ”Considering Matthew Shepard,” on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2020 in the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, Maryland at 7:30 p.m. Under the direction of William Thomas, “Considering Matthew Shepard,” composed by Craig Hella Johnson, showcases the artistry of the Tidewater Singers with an expanded choir from the Chesapeake College and surrounding communities, with orchestra, and staging by Tom Quimby.
In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in a lonely field under a blanket of stars. Five days later, when Matt passed away, the world was watching. Approaching the eve of the 20th anniversary, Craig Hella Johnson responded with his first concert-length work, “Considering Matthew Shepard.”
According to composer Craig Hella Johnson, “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.”
William Thomas, Director of Tidewater Singers, comments, “We are proud and excited to bring the power, emotion, and beauty of ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ to the Chesapeake College wider community.”
These performances are funded in part by the Talbot Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council.
For further information about Matthew Shepard, visit conspirare.org/project/considering-matthew-shepard. For further information on the performance, visit tidewatersingers.com.