Latest Events, Information & Tickets. Independent What's On Guide. Not a box office or venue.
Latest Events, Information & Tickets. Independent What's On Guide. Not a box office or venue.
Oct
10
Oct
10
TD Pavilion at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts
Go on a journey from horror and grief to a space for reflection and enduring compassion with the poignant work of GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare and composer Craig Hella Johnson. TD Pavilion at the Mann invites you to the Fall Tour of the moving choral drama "Considering Matthew Shepard" this October 10, 2024.
Peek into Matthew Shepard's life, whose legacy sparked a movement to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. His life before his untimely death 25 years ago is exquisitely molded in different multiple styles, seamlessly woven in the poetic works of Hildegard of Bingen, Leslea Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi. Through Matthew's personal journal, his parent's accounts, newspaper reports, we experience a life that isn't ours but has ultimately changed the world we live in.
The cathartic voices of the GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare and more than 500 local choir singers, led by Philadelphia Rollo Dilworth and Dr. Jay Fluellen will fill the intimate Downstage TD Pavilion at the Mann. Claim a seat in this stunning performance by purchasing your tickets here.
It has been 25 years since the untimely death of Matthew Shepard, but his life remains ever so relevant in this year 2024. On October 10th at TD Pavilion at the Mann, join us for the Fall Tour of "Considering Matthew Shepard", evocatively and compassionately played by the GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare and composer Craig Hella Johnson.
“Matt Shepard and his story have led me on an inspiring, challenging and deeply meaningful journey that I continue to this day. In composing Considering Matthew Shepard I wanted to create, within a musical framework, a space for reflection, consideration and unity around his life and legacy.” – Craig Hella Johnson, composer
Matthew Shepard might have seen himself as an ordinary boy but he had no idea his life would become a movement that pierces through decades after his death. His story evokes compassion, an action towards acceptance and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Immerse yourself in his life in the three-part fusion oratorio, featuring GRAMMY-winning Conspirare and more than 500 local choir singers, led by Philadelphia conductors Rollo Dilworth and Dr. jay Fluellen. We peek into Matthew's life through the passages of his personal journal, newspaper reports, interviews and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, and additional texts by Johnson and Browne.
Johnson's goosebump-inducing work also features a wide range of poetic and soulful texts by some of the greatest poets from late 1100s to contemporary works---a testament that Matt's experiences echo timelessly in the past and the future. The poets, including Hildegard of Bingen, Leslea Newman, Michael Dennis Browne and Rumi, transcends through generations and transforms grief to a higher understanding of the human condition. Through the drama's poetry and music, we see a movement that is exquisitely composed with a fresh and bold voice, molded in a variety of musical styles.
The three-part choral drama has been played by hundreds of choirs around the world since its premier in 2016. Matthew Shepard Foundation spreads the work's anti-hate message by collaborating with choirs and offering artistic and technical assistance. On October 10th, the stunning work will be performed at the intimate Downstage at TD pavilion at the Mann, offering an in-the-round experience in an engaging, welcoming way. Renew the acceptance and instill hope within you by purchasing your tickets to "Considering Matthew Shepard" show.
TD Pavilion at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19131, US