Choral Artists of Sarasota Presents “Considering Matthew Shepherd”

March 7, 2025 | Sarasota

In response to overwhelming community support, Choral Artists of Sarasota will present an encore performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Saturday, April 5, 4 p.m., at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. This powerful modern-day cantata tells the heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man from Wyoming who was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence in 1998. His tragic death became a catalyst for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and this choral work—both gut-wrenching and inspiring—honors his memory while offering a vision of a world shaped by love and acceptance. A light reception will follow the performance, providing an opportunity for reflection and conversation. Tickets for the concert are $40 (general admission) and $5 (students). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-6046.

Joseph Holt, artistic director, explains that “Considering Matthew Shepard” was composed by Craig Hella 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.

“We were deeply moved by the response to our first performance of ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ and are honored to share it again with the community,” says Dr. Joseph Holt, artistic director of Choral Artists. “It is a work of immense emotional depth, reminding us of the transformative power of music and its ability to foster empathy and understanding.”

This encore performance was made possible by generous support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota through the Huisking Family Fund, and additional private sponsorship.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises some 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 new Ann Stephenson Moe Apprentice Scholarship, a funding program to support either private lessons or vocal training at an institution of higher learning.

Upcoming Concert:

United We Stand: Memorial Day Concert With the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble Saturday, May 24; 4 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. This traditional patriotic concert offers us a chance to reflect on the lives of service

women and men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country while in uniform. We proudly salute them for their service to the United States and securing freedom around the world.