4/14, Considering Matthew Shepard Makes Its South Bay Area Premiere

April 14 + 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM

The modern-day oratorio, CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD, makes its South Bay Area premiere, performed and presented by THE CHORAL PROJECT and SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY’S CHORALIERS.

This year marks 25 years since the murder of Matthew Wayne Shepard, the subject of Craig Hella Johnson’s CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD. He was a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, who was beaten and tortured for being gay and tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, where he was left to die alone.

Through music, poetry, and singing, Considering Matthew Shepard, composed by Craig Hella Johnson, reflects on and responds to the devastating event that led to Matthew Shepard’s heartbreaking death, while also compassionately emphasizing how his life and legacy shine brighter than the memory of his inhumane suffering and demise.

About the partnership and how it came to be, The Choral Project Artistic Director and Founder Daniel Hughes said, “When I heard the world premiere of this work, I knew I wanted to perform it. The message aligns so powerfully with The Choral Project’s vision of healing through music and words. I also knew my esteemed colleague at San Jose State University, Dr. Jeffrey Benson, was interested in performing this piece. I sensed that we could combine our musical forces to present a potent and poignant production of this work.”

The Choral Project and San Jose State University Choraliers are proud to unite for this important piece – especially at a time in history when sympathy and understanding appear to be fading.

Email to request one of a limited number of press tickets for a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, April 12th.

Preferred Seating $40, Standard Admission $30, Senior Citizens $25, Students $10.

Presented by The Choral Project.

https://www.choralproject.org/ 408-357-4140