UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The School of Music in the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture will present 'Considering Matthew Shepard' by Craig Hella Johnson at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Recital Hall.
This staged work tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student whose 1998 murder in Laramie, Wyoming, became a pivotal moment in American history and sparked a national conversation about hate crimes and acceptance. Through its fusion of choral, solo and instrumental music, "Considering Matthew Shepard" reflects on Shepard’s life, the events surrounding his death, and his enduring legacy of compassion and hope.
The performance will feature the Penn State Concert Choir, Penn State Opera Workshop, and an instrumental ensemble under the direction of Christopher Kiver and dawn pierce, with collaboration from School of Theatre lighting design faculty. Scored for soloists, choir and instrumentalists, Johnson’s composition invites audiences into a space of remembrance and reflection through a range of musical styles that blend elements of classical music, musical theatre and folk traditions.
“Working on 'Considering Matthew Shepard' has given us the rare opportunity to perform a profound composition that has the power to resonate far beyond the concert hall,” said Christopher Kiver, director of choral activities. “It’s fitting that our performance is a collaborative effort between the Concert Choir, Opera Workshop, instrumentalists from the School of Music, faculty and students from the School of Theatre, and members of the community. I am sure this performance will live long with performers and audience alike.”
Tickets for the performance are available here.
All events will be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person.