The Community Church of Chapel Hill,
Unitarian Universalist presents:
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.
From The Washington Post: “’Considering Matthew Shepard’ demonstrates music’s capacity to encompass, transform and transcend tragedy. Powerfully cathartic, it leads us from horror and grief to a higher understanding of the human condition, enabling us to endure.”
(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.
From The Washington Post: “’Considering Matthew Shepard’ demonstrates music’s capacity to encompass, transform and transcend tragedy. Powerfully cathartic, it leads us from horror and grief to a higher understanding of the human condition, enabling us to endure.”
PERFORMERS
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Orchestra
Violin: Laura Thomas Viola: Kitty Stalberg Cello: Debbie Davis Bass: Robbie Link Clarinet: Daniel Falcon Nacianceno Guitars: Nick Colón Percussion: Umaesh Vikram Kumaran Piano: Ariadna Nacianceno |
Community Church Choir
Deborah Klinger, Jean McKinney, Susie Hafer, Taryn Bonner, Carol Parker, Betsy Yarrison, Jane Provan, Susie Hafer, Bonny Chirayath, Linda Thompson, Amy Maddox, Kirsten Bergman, Wendy Jebens, Mary LeMay, Joann Haggerty, Shannon Thielman, Rowan Marshall, Eileen Regan, Steve Day, Scott Provan, Larry Ross, Raul Nacianceno, George Thompson, Larry Mason, David Clarridge, Josh Socolar, Paul Eskildsen Reciters Alison Eskildsen, Carol Parker, Mary LeMay, Chris Provan |
the composer TAlks about the piece
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Craig Hella Johnson on how different viewpoints on a story can deepen your understanding (from Austin PBS)
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Twenty years later, Craig Hella Johnson explains why Matthew Shepard's story is still relevant and why we can't give up on creating a culture of respect.
(from Austin PBS) |
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PROGRAM
(Soloists in parentheses)
PROLOGUE
Cattle, Horses, Sky and Grass (Steve Day)
Ordinary Boy (Rowan Marshall, Linda Thompson as Judy Shepard, Graham Hallquist as Matt, Steve Day)
We Tell Each Other Stories (Jane Provan)
PASSION
The Fence (before) (Paul Eskildsen)
The Fence (that night) (Josh Socolar)
A Protestor
Keep It Away From Me (The Wound of Love) (Wendy Jebens, Kirsten Bergman, Taryn Bonner, Wendy Morgan)
Fire of the Ancient Heart (Franklin Hirsch)
Stray Birds
I Am Like You/We Are All Sons (Charly Maddox, Amy Maddox, Steve Day, Graham Hallquist)
The Innocence (Scott Provan)
The Fence (one week later) (Deborah Klinger)
Deer Song (Charly Maddox, Taryn Bonner, Wendy Morgan)
Pilgrimage (Jean McKinney, George Thompson, Josh Socolar, Linda Thompson, Scott Provan, Judith Sellers,
Deborah Klinger, Amy Maddox, Rowan Marshall, Taryn Bonner)
EPILOGUE
Meet Me Here (Jane Provan)
All Of Us (Trio: Deborah Klinger, Linda Thompson, Rowan Marshall)
Cattle, Horses, Sky and Grass (Reprise) (Steve Day)