As we enter the fall season, we find ourselves marking the 25th anniversary of an event that shook the world. The memory of Matthew Shepard, a young LGTBQ+ university student whose life was tragically cut short on October 12, 1998, in a senseless act of violence, continues to serve as a stark reminder of the intolerance and hatred that still linger in our society. Yet, it is also a reminder that we must persist in our pursuit of love, understanding, and acceptance. Michael Bennett, Artistic Director of the Lafayette Master Chorale (LMC), a group of 55 singers from the greater Lafayette and surrounding area, was aware of the profound significance of this somber anniversary and envisioned a powerful way to pay tribute.
“We thought about how impactful it would be to put on a performance of the choral piece Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson during the anniversary,” says Michael. “Given that Matthew Shepard was a university student at a public institution, we wanted to collaborate with the students of the Purdue University Choir.”
Considering Matthew Shepard is a modern-day oratorio—told through music, poetry, and singing—that reflects on and responds to the devastating event that led to Matthew Shepard’s death. However, his life and legacy are more than his inhumane suffering, and that too is compassionately explored in this work. The LMC and Purdue University Choir decided in the spring of 2023 to program this performance. During the summer, they reached out to several key institutions for support. Among them was First United Methodist Church (FUMC), where LMC recognized an opportunity for a profoundly meaningful collaboration.
“We discovered that First Church was planning their We’re Out Festival on October 21,” says Michael. “The festival’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance resonated deeply with our performance’s message. Remarkably, we were planning our performance for October 29, which is exactly one week after the festival. We were thrilled by this alignment.”
The We’re Out Festival provided an ideal platform to showcase the Considering Matthew Shepard performance. FUMC enthusiastically embraced the cause, illustrating their commitment to ensuring Matthew Shepard’s memory lives on. The performance, with over 100 singers from LMC and Purdue University Choir, accompanied by a small ad hoc orchestra, is set for October 29 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, a venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics. During the We’re Out Festival on October 21, a special Matthew Shepard display will honor his memory, strengthening the connection between FUMC’s Reconciling Ministries and LMC’s performance.
“First Church’s support of this performance has gone beyond mere financial contributions,” says Michael. “They’re opening their doors to the community and embracing this collaboration in multiple significant ways. It’s heartening to see local religious communities that are committed to standing up against hate crimes and support individuals for who they truly are. We are delighted to have a presence at the We’re Out Festival.”
The core message of Celebrating Matthew Shepard is one of forgiveness, love, and healing; three of the fundamental tenets of Christianity which resonate profoundly with the national slogan of the Methodist Church: “Open hearts, open minds, open doors.” Michael acknowledges that the performance might evoke grief in some, considering the harsh realities faced by individuals or their loved ones as it relates to the LGBTQ+ experience. However, he believes that even those carrying the weight of grief will find solace in the music and its uplifting message.
“I hope those in attendance will leave the performance with their spirits lifted in feelings of love and hope,” shares Michael. “It’s equally important for people to realize that within our community, there are places where they can actively participate and inclusivity is not only encouraged but celebrated.”
As FUMC and LMC come together to celebrate love, diversity, and harmony this October, Gail and John Polles, devoted members of FUMC and longtime LMC singers, reflect on the evolution of the We’re Out Festival and their involvement in this profound collaboration.
“When the church first introduced the We’re Out Festival several years ago, we were cautiously navigating the waters of LGBTQ+ acceptance within our community at large,” says Gail. “The event was primarily about welcoming individuals into our various ministries. However, last year, we noticed a significant increase in the number of rainbow flags, and our congregation has wholeheartedly embraced the festival as a celebration for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Gail, one of the original singers joining the Chorale in 1968, and her husband, John, who joined in 1995, share a profound love for choral music. As the Polles’ both understand, music possesses a unique ability to forge connections among people. Considering Matthew Shepard promises to be heart-wrenching, shedding light on a tragedy that should never fade from our collective memory. They hope that the performance will not only unify our community but also educate younger generations about the legacy of Matthew Shepard.
“My hope is that every attendee will leave the performance with the realization that it was not just an artistic endeavor but a necessary one,” says John. “It is my hope that this performance resonates, especially with our younger audience, who may not be familiar with Matthew Shepard’s story. If they come, listen to the music, and heed its words, it has the potential to spark a transformative dialogue that we desperately need.”
This unique collaboration between FUMC and LMC embodies the spirit of love, inclusivity, and the power of music to heal and unite. The upcoming We’re Out Festival and Considering Matthew Shepard performance promise to be moments of reflection, celebration, and a step toward a more compassionate and understanding world.
Lafayette Master Chorale’s “Considering Matthew Shepard” Performance
Sunday, October 29, at 3 pm EST
St. Thomas Aquinas Church
535 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Purchase tickets here!
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