Isabel Voices Archive

A large choir is on a stage. In front of them is a harpist, flutist, violinist, chellist, and conductor. A man sits on a red chair on the stage reading.

‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ and Its Beautiful Complexities

  • Isabel Voices
  • Review

Incredible. 

Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson, for all its complexity, can simply be described as a masterpiece. Performed by The Isabel Voices, the three-part oratorio is an astounding feat. 

As I’ve sat down to write this review, I’ve been struggling with where to start. I’m fervent about giving this performance the praise it deserves yet the intricacies of an oratorio and the accompanying musical vernacular feel unfamiliar to me. However, the story on which Considering Matthew Shepard is based is one the Kingston Theatre Alliance, and myself, feel passionate towards reviewing.

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A choir in the middle of rehearsal. There are three rows of people all reading sheet music.

Collaboration and Compassion: Darrell Christie and Grahame Renyk on ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’

  • Artist
  • Interview
  • Isabel Voices

When I learned that Darrell Christie was starting a new ensemble, I was intrigued, and I was doubly intrigued when I saw Matthew Shepard’s name in the season announcement. After nearly a decade away from choral singing, something about this confluence of elements—a former Cultural Studies classmate starting a new project and an iconic name in queer history appearing as the subject matter—nudged me to return to the choir kid life. 

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