The Quire is pairing up with St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to perform Craig Hella Johnson’s choral oratorio, Considering Matthew Shepard. This musical work tells the tragic story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered in Wyoming in 1998. Using a mix of musical styles to explore the tragedy of his death, the impact on his family and community, and the broader societal issues surrounding homophobia, Considering Matthew Shepard ultimately serves as a powerful call for compassion and acceptance, invoking a myriad of emotions, described as haunting, yet beautiful; passionate, yet sorrowful; afraid, yet hopeful. The piece incorporates personal writings, news reports, and interviews to create a deeply moving and evocative narrative.
Please join us for our performances of Considering Mathew Shepard, directed by Jesse Reed and Michael Sauer, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids on June 28 at 7:00,