CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD | JUNE 1 & 2, 2024

SOLARIA SINGERS

Andrew Minear, music director

Sara Catherine Barnes, stage director

Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

Composed by Craig Hella Johnson, Considering Matthew Shepard is a Grammy-nominated three-part oratorio which is an evocative and compassionate musical response to the murder of Matthew Shepard.

On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die, in what became an infamous act of brutality, and one of America’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes.

Considering Matthew Shepherd responds to and reflects upon the devastating events that led to Matthew Shepard’s heartbreaking death. It speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. Through music, poetry, and singing this piece demonstrates that his life and legacy are more than his inhumane suffering and demise. Reflections on Matthews legacy are compassionately explored in this groundbreaking work.

Orlando Sings’ professional ensemble, Solaria, will present this work, fully staged, in the Pugh theater with orchestra, soloists and projections.