Considering Matthew Shepard

“Considering Matthew Shepard” is a Grammy-nominated three-part oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson. The work is a powerful and compassionate musical response to the murder of Matthew Shepard. On October 6, 1998, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, tied to a fence, beaten, and left to die, in what became one of America’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. Shepard’s murder ultimately led to the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and provided a catalyst for legislation that expanded the definition of a hate crime to include sexual orientation.

This three-part fusion oratorio incorporates a variety of musical styles and a wide range of soulful texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen and Rumi. Also included are passages from Matthew’s personal journal and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard. While parts might be triggering for some, this oratorio is ultimately an uplifting celebration of the power of light over darkness and love over fear.