CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD, MAY 14, 2025, AT 7:30PM, MCINTYRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, 135 FENNELL AVE. W. HAMILTON
HAMILTON, April 1, 2025 — The HPO is proud to present Considering Matthew Shepard at the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, featuring The Elora Singers. Composer Craig Hella Johnson’s Grammy-nominated three-part oratorio is a reflection and response to the life, legacy and tragic death of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man whose murder in 1998 became a catalyst for change. In addition to the evening concert, there will be a daytime education performance for secondary school students.
Johnson’s composition weaves together poetry, personal reflections and historical texts to create a profound musical journey with soloists, choir and chamber orchestra. Musicians of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra are joined by The Elora Singers for this performance sharing a hopeful message of love over hate and light over darkness.
“Considering Matthew Shepard is an incredibly moving presentation that shares a hopeful message while honouring the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard.” said Kim Varian, HPO’s Executive Director. “Music is a powerful medium for processing our individual complex emotions and driving social change and growth in our communities. Craig Hella Johnson’s work creates space for audience reflection on the power of love and empathy in the face of tragedy and how compassion and acceptance drive social change. We are proud to present this important work with The Elora Singers.”
Considering Matthew Shepard incorporates passages from Matt’s personal journal, interviews and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, newspaper reports, and prose by poets including Michael Dennis Browne, Lesléa Newman, Hildegard of Binge and Rumi.
Considering Matthew Shepard
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:30PM
Mcintyre Performing Arts Centre (135 Fennell Ave. W. Hamilton)
Tickets on sale at hpo.org
Education Performance: Considering Matthew Shepard
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 12PM
Mcintyre Performing Arts Centre (135 Fennell Ave. W. Hamilton)
Educators can book tickets for the school performance by emailing mbenjafield@hpo.org
About The Elora Singers: The Elora Singers, under the direction of Mark Vuorinen, has established an international reputation as one of Canada’s finest professional choirs. Founded in 1980, it is the ensemble-in-residence of the Elora Festival for three weeks each summer, in addition to presenting a regular concert series, producing recordings, and touring across Canada and internationally.
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to support the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
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