The University Singers performed the musical event “Considering Matthew Shepard” in Wilson Concert Hall on March 13, but COVID-19 forced them to cancel the final performances. The piece was written by composer Craig Hella Johnson to honor the legacy of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at University of Wyoming who was brutally beaten and murdered in 1998. The 52-person cast, featuring both student and professional musicians, shared the story of Matthew Shepard with the W&L community through music spanning several genres.
"Working on 'Considering Matthew Shepard' demonstrated to me the power of art to change hearts and minds. The University Singers showed tremendous courage, resolve and maturity in telling Matthew Shepard's story. In order to achieve social progress, we must have the courage to tell each other stories. We must have the courage to speak up on difficult, painful topics even if we are afraid of saying the wrong thing or losing friends who disagree with us. At the same time, we must have the humility to listen to other people's stories, to admit when we are wrong, and to apologize when we make mistakes. Only with this sustained, multi-way dialogue can we hope to build and maintain a more just, honest, inclusive society." - Nick Mauer ’20
"When I first found out that University Singers would perform ‘Considering Matthew Shepard,’ I knew that it would be a challenging work both vocally and mentally. What I didn’t expect is how much it would develop me as a person, forcing me to contemplate our culture, for better or for worse, and how I contribute to it." - Levi Lebsack ’21
"A year ago, when Dr. Lynch first announced that we'd be performing ‘Considering Matthew Shepard,’ I thought it had to be fate. Nothing else has helped me more throughout my personal coming out and transition. This work has taught me to love myself, find that love in others, and be proud to be a part of this wonderful world of ours, differences and all. It has made me want to continue spreading that message, to continue being a role model for those who are surrounded by hate, and to be the one future queer that children look up to, reminding them that it's okay to be different, that it's okay to be you." - ToniAnne Wong ’21
"I was deeply honored to join the University Singers to perform ‘Considering Matthew Shepard.’ Part of that was because I never imagined I'd have an opportunity to sing with the choir after graduation, but I also felt blessed to be able to tell such a valuable story about a real event. I truly believe that art is the most accessible way to spark change in others' hearts and minds. The show gives people an opportunity to set aside differences and remember that all people deserve love and happiness, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, etc. Hearing Jason Marsden from the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Judy and Dennis Shepard reinforce that to audiences during talkbacks was such a beautiful experience. I hope that Matt Shepard is happy with the work that we are doing to tell his story. I'm unbelievably grateful to Professor Shane Lynch and the University Singers for including me. My only regret, of course, is that two Wilson Halls full of people didn't get to see it." - Jake Burnett '17
"As a queer college student, Matthew Shepard’s story is very close to home for me. I’m really honored by this opportunity to tell his story, especially to a generation of people who might never have been exposed to it before. In general, this is a very cathartic experience for me. It’s painful to work through because it is so close to my heart, but I couldn’t imagine working on anything else for a capstone. Speaking technically, though, being able to direct a 52-person cast is a skill that can’t be taught in a textbook, so I’m so thankful for that learning process of being able to collaborate with 52 great singers and several fantastic instrumentalists to put some light out into the world." - Duckery Bracey ’20