To continue our kaupapa of centring queer artists and stories, Wellington Youth Choir is honoured to be performing Craig Hella Johnson's Considering Matthew Shepard in collaboration with the Christchurch Youth Choir for our final concert of our 2024 cycle. This performance will mark the North Island premiere of this work, and commemorate the 26th anniversary of Matthew Shepard's passing.

Considering Matthew Shepard is a three-part modern oratorio written by American composer Craig Hella Johnson in response to the murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man from Wyoming whose death garnered international news coverage in 1998. To tell Matthew's story, Johnson transgresses the traditional boundaries of choral oratorio by incorporating numerous musical genres throughout the work such as musical theatre, jazz, classical oratorio and gospel music. Over this dynamic and evocative soundscape, Johnson uses a variety of poetic texts by Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne and Rumi alongside excerpts from newspaper reports, Matthew's journal and interviews with his family to create 'a space for reflection, consideration and unity around his life and legacy' (Johnson).

The piece will be conducted by Rowan Johnston, and accompanied by an ensemble of orchestral and modern instruments.

ABOUT THE WELLINGTON AND CHRISTCHURCH YOUTH CHOIRS

Wellington Youth Choir is a self-run, mixed choir for 17-27 year olds in the Wellington region comprised of around 60 students and young professionals. The choir provides a fantastic opportunity for experienced singers to continue singing at a high standard, and for newcomers to get involved in a choir for the first time.

Established in 2012 as an initiative to bring young people together after the earthquakes, the Christchurch Youth Choir is a group of around 40 students and young professionals aged between 16-26 years old. Since its inception, the choir has been dedicated to a kaupapa of creating a positive space for singers to immerse themselves in music and pursue excellence both in their local community and further afield.

CONTENT WARNING

This work contains themes of violence, homophobia, hate speech, and death. There will be a safe room provided for audience members if the content of this concert become overwhelming. Viewer discretion is advised.

COVID SAFETY

Audience members are welcome to wear masks throughout the concert if in close proximity with others. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell to keep the choirs and other audience members safe.

N.B. Door sales may be available, dependent on seating availability.

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