Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Boosts Choral Artists Production

March 25, 2024 – Sarasota

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently granted $20,000 from the Dallas and Elizabeth Dort Charitable Fund to Choral Artists of Sarasota to help fund its April 2024 concert “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a powerful musical journey about the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was tragically murdered in Wyoming in 1998. The work was composed by Craig Helle Johnson, premiered in 2016, and has been performed by more than 40 choirs across the world. This production is joined in partnership by Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First Congregational Church UCC.

Joseph Holt, artist director, explains that presenting socially engaged projects is a key component of Choral Artists’ mission. “This performance surrounding the short life of Matthew Shepard is not only fitting but topical considering the movement across the country to limit the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States,” says Holt.

“The subject of bullying is part of the national conversation that arose following his tragic death and we still struggle to address adequately this topic in our country.” Holt adds that The Matthew Shepard Foundation was created by his parents to “honor his life and aspirations. Inspired by the tragedy they endured, the initial purpose of the foundation was to teach parents with children who may be questioning their sexuality to love and accept them for who they are, and to not throw them away.”

Holt states that, in the current climate of the United States, and particularly Florida, “recent legislation is attempting to marginalize this community and the consequences are not to be tolerated. Every child is unique and deserves the space and support they need to fully develop and mature into contributing members of an inclusive society. It is our hope that this performance will remind us of the tragedy and instill in us the need to continue the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation – erasing hate in all aspects throughout society.”

Holt is grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for “strongly showing its support for artistic programs that address issues of equity and social justice,” he says. “The Foundation is committed to ensuring that programs like this reach a broad audience, which is why we’re presenting a half hour presentation of ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ to 8th grade students at Community Day School and the Out of Door Academy in April. History told through music and words has more impact, resonating beyond the single performance into awareness and change for the common good.”

The April concert features soloists from the entire Choral Artists roster, with major solos performed by Justin Gomlak, tenor; Nicholas Maiello, tenor; Stephanie Jabre, mezzo-soprano; Michaela Ristaino, soprano; and Carrell Andrews, bass. The

performance also features a chamber ensemble comprised of musicians from the Sarasota Orchestra. The concert is Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: $40; students $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises 32 of the region’s most notable professional singers. Eight young singers, ages 16 to 22, are also invited to join the group each year, as part of the organization’s educational outreach. One of these gifted singers will be awarded the Ann Stephenson Moe Apprentice Scholarship, a funding program to support private lessons, vocal training at an institution of higher learning, or other expenses related to advancing their musical education. “Ensuring the future of choral music means investing in the next generation of musicians,” says Susan Burke, executive director of Choral Artists of Sarasota. “That means engaging young people on their own terms.”

The Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 2023-2024 season continues with:

· Considering Matthew Shepard: Featuring Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion” (modeled after the great “Passions” of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. In partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First Congregational Church UCC, this beautiful musical story transcends tragedy. Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

· Memorial Day Concert: United We Stand: The Choral Artists teams with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to perform a moving tribute to those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This concert is also the kick-off for the group’s tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets: $30-60; students $5.

· D-Day Commemoration Journey: June 3-11. Choral Artists of Sarasota has been invited by Historic Programs, which partners with the Department of Defense, Office of Commemorations, to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at the cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform a concert in the town square at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Choral Artists is inviting the public to join them on this journey. For more information, contact info@ChoralArtististsSarasota.org.