Now, 25 years later, the Lafayette Master Chorale and the Purdue University Choir will present Considering Matthew Shepard, a three-part oratorio, to mark this anniversary. And the week prior to the concert will feature several events that focus on the community coming together and learning from this horrific tragedy.
The piece, written in 2016, incorporates countless musical styles “seamlessly woven into a unified whole,” says composer Craig Hella Johnson. Johnson sets to music a wide range of poetic and soulful texts as he shares a tale both gripping and sorrowful, leading us from horror and grief to a “higher understanding of the human condition, enabling us to endure.”
“The Lafayette Master Chorale is very excited to be performing with Purdue University Choir for the first time,” says Artistic Director Michael Bennett. “It’s our desire that collaborating for such a unique musical event will provide the campus and community a sense of inclusion and respect. Moreover, we hope that the music and poetry will leave the audience feeling inspired and hopeful for a world where there is no hate, but rather peace and concord.
“Music is often the greatest healer, and we intend this remembrance to serve as an opportunity for the audience to be lifted up in the spirit of love and friendship.”
Considering Matthew Shepard will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 535 W. State St., West Lafayette. Tickets are $22 for adults, advance sale, $25 at the door; $10 for students over 18; free for students under 18, and are available at lafayettemasterchorale.org.
Also that week: A display from the Matthew Shepard Foundation can be visited at First United Methodist Church, 1700 State Rd 26 W, West Lafayette. Exhibit hours are noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21; 2-6 p.m., Oct. 23-27.
Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine movie screening, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, First United Methodist Church. Co-sponsored by the Purdue LGBTQ Center.
“Hate Crimes: 25 years after Matthew Shepard’s Death, What Have We Learned and Where Are We Going?” Panel discussion featuring The Rev. Duane Carlisle, First United Methodist Church; the Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke, Chapel of the Good Shepherd/Lafayette Master Chorale; Dr. Beth McCuskey, Vice Provost for Student Life, Purdue University; Dr. Christopher Munt, Senior Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Purdue University; James Shelton, Purdue University Choir; Dennis Shepard, father of Matthew Shepard; Jeff Smith, WLFI/TV 18, Host/Moderator. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, First United Methodist Church.
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