Albany Pro Musica proudly presents the Capital Region premiere of Considering Matthew Shepard, an evocative choral drama by acclaimed composer Craig Hella Johnson. This transformative work reflects on the life, death, and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young man whose brutal murder in 1998 became a catalyst for social change and a pivotal moment in
the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Through deeply moving music and thought-provoking storytelling, Considering Matthew Shepard explores themes of inclusion, resilience, and hope. It invites us to reflect on our shared humanity and challenges us to imagine a more compassionate and just world.
With special guests from the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus, Albany Voices of Pride, and APM’s High School Choral Festival Honor Choir.
To further amplify these themes, we are hosting a series of community engagement events. These programs are designed to inspire meaningful conversations, foster connections, and engage participants in creative expressions that honor Matthew’s enduring legacy. Together, these events create a unique opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and grow in understanding.
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion | February 27 at 6:30PM (doors open at 6PM)
WMHT Public Media
Albany Pro Musica will collaborate with WMHT to offer a screening of the full-length documentary, Considering Matthew Shephard, a television production based upon the Grammy-nominated three-part oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson which Albany Pro Musica will present on March 9. The film includes interviews with the composer and with Matt’s parents, concert and rehearsal footage from Conspirare, and news footage from the days and weeks following Matt’s killing. In its exploration of Matt’s tragic death, this film helps viewers travel from outrage and sorrow to forgiveness and love: to find a path from grief to hope. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion about LGBTQIA+ representation and the essential role of the arts in social change, with Jose Daniel Flores-Caraballo (Opalka Family Artistic Director), Nathaniel Gray (Executive Director, Pride Center of the Capital Region), Marion Terenzio (President, SUNY Cobleskill), and Rev. Lynn Garnder (Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady).
Audience Reception | March 9 at 5PM
Russell Sage College’s Buchman Pavilion
Immediately following the concert, join the artists and members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies at Russell Sage College’s Buchman Pavilion for an informal reception. Attendees will have the opportunity to share—publicly or privately—their reactions to the work, and to celebrate and reflect on our joy and grief. Counselors and resources from the Pride Center of the Capital Region will be available.
Registration for this event is now closed.
