This February, the NMU Choirs will perform a powerful oratorio by composer Craig Hella Johnson titled Considering Matthew Shepard. The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st in the Reynolds Recital Hall on NMU's campus at 7:30 p.m. eastern, and parental discretion is advised.
Considering Matthew Shepard is a challenging work to perform, both musically and due to the subject matter. It tells Matthew's story from 1998 when he was attacked and tied to a fence in Wyoming, eventually dying of his injuries. It sets text from sources like news and police reports, journals, and poetry to a variety of musical genres. The oratorio will feature NMU Choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists.
We spoke with Dr. Erin Colwitz, Director of Choirs at NMU and Associate Professor of Music:
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Considering Matthew Shepard will be performed Tuesday, February 21st without an intermission, and with applause held until the end.
Visit the NMU Music Department website for more information.
More information about the Matthew Shepard Foundation can be found at matthewshepard.org.