Conspirare: Considering Matthew Shepard Tickets

Conspirare is a Grammy award-winning choral ensemble based in Austin, Texas. They are known for their diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music and their commitment to excellence in choral performance. Recently, the group released an album entitled "Considering Matthew Shepard", which addresses an important topic through an original composition.

Matthew Shepard was a young man who became a symbol of hate crime victims after he was beaten and left to die in Wyoming in 1998. His story has been the focus of many documentaries, films, and books, but this album takes a unique approach by setting his story to music. The composer, Craig Hella Johnson, created a three-part work that combines choral singing with spoken word, vocal solos, and instrumental interludes.

The first part of the album sets the stage for the tragedy by exploring the natural landscapes of Wyoming and painting a picture of Shepard's life as a student at the University of Wyoming. The second part focuses on the events leading up to Shepard's death, including his decision to go to a bar where he was targeted by his assailants. The final part eulogizes Shepard through songs of healing, forgiveness, and acceptance.

While the subject matter of “Considering Matthew Shepard” is heavy and emotional, the music itself is a beautiful blend of contemporary and classical styles. Johnson draws from musical traditions ranging from Appalachian folk to Renaissance polyphony in order to create a soundscape that mirrors the variety of emotions experienced by Shepard, his family, and the larger LGBTQ+ community.

What makes Conspirare's approach particularly interesting from a classical perspective is the use of choral harmony and text painting. Johnson's use of dissonance and harmonies that shift suddenly reflects the tension and conflict surrounding Shepard's murder. Additionally, he incorporates references to earlier works such as Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, juxtaposing older structures with modern elements to comment on how the narrative of hate crimes has transformed over time.

Consequently, the resulting album is a moving and thought-provoking work that both honors Shepard’s legacy and contributes to important dialogues about hate crime, tolerance, and acceptance. It is an example of how classical music can be adapted to explore contemporary issues in a relevant manner and deliver profound social commentary to the broader public.

In conclusion, "Considering Matthew Shepard" by Conspirare offers a great demonstration of how classical music can be used to tackle complex and sensitive subjects in new and moving ways. The piece serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social change, highlighting the role of art as instrumental in conversations surrounding politics and society. Johnson's composition is not only an emotional tribute to Shepard but also a call to action towards a more just world where everyone has the right to live free from violence.