Wilmington Voices Shine Light on Love and Loss with ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ Concert Series’
Two performances are scheduled for May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and May 4th at 3:00 p.m.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) –The Wilmington Voices are preparing for their concert series, ‘Considering Matthew Shepard,’ which is held in the Kenan Auditorium on UNCW’s campus. Two performances are scheduled for May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and May 4th at 3:00 p.m.
‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ is a musical ensemble that incorporates music, poetry, and reflection into the horrific story of Shepard – a gay college student who was beaten, tortured, and left to die in 1998. His murder sparked a national outrage.
“It’s beautifully tragic- if you will. The music is beautiful. You’re going to feel all types of feelings throughout this thing,” said soloist K.C. Armstrong
The Wilmington Voices is a local ensemble that presents choral music in Eastern North Carolina. The hope is to uplift love and loss through music.
“Just an ordinary boy- like most of us are ordinary people- trying to figure out what he wanted to be, who he wanted to be with, where he wanted to go,” said founder of Wilmington Voices Angela Burns.
“There’s lots of folks who have died for no reason. But this is a life that has been taken and shared to show that this young man didn’t have to die,” Armstrong said.
Despite its message of peace and unity, a small group is allegedly planning to protest outside the venue on opening night.
“We all have our beliefs and the things we support. If they’re here and protesting, and it’s a friendly protest, then so be it. We are about love and acceptance and community,” Burns said.
A spokesperson from the university says they are not currently aware of an organized protest. Either way, as the curtains rise Friday night, the spotlight will be on a community choosing love rather than hate- unity, not division.
“I surround myself with all people, and that brings me great joy. I wish that others would feel that way and just be accepting of others. We’re all different in some way or another and that’s beautiful,” Burns said.
Tickets are on sale now. You can get them here.
