The Isabel Voices Presents

Considering Matthew Shepard

A deeply moving fusion oratorio that explores the life, legacy, and tragic death of Matthew Shepard

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.

Synopsis

On Friday, February 16, 2024, The Isabel Voices will perform Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson, a deeply moving fusion oratorio that explores the life, legacy, and tragic death of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming who was killed on October 7, 1998.

With acclaimed soloists, innovative staging, and an 8-piece ensemble, this composition delves into the complexities of Matthew’s life, the anguish of his untimely death, and its enduring impact on society. Through an eclectic mix of musical styles and powerful storytelling, Considering Matthew Shepard stands as a testament to Matthew’s memory, inviting reflection on the power of love, empathy, and the need for social change.

The Isabel Voices is joining forces with Grahame Renyk of the DAN School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University, who will provide theatrical direction for the performance.

Venue

Jennifer Velva Bernstein Performance Hall, Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

390 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4

Showtimes

February 2024

  • Friday 16 at 7:30 PM

Performance Articles

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.
February 18, 2024

‘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.
A choir in the middle of rehearsal. There are three rows of people all reading sheet music.
February 8, 2024

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.