Wilmington Voices to share story of Matthew Shepard through music
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A musical work centered on love, acceptance, and social justice is coming to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium this May. Considering Matthew Shepard, performed by the Wilmington Voices, explores the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, whose 1998 murder became a turning point in the fight against hate crimes.
“Matthew was just an ordinary boy. He loved music, he loved singing, he loved Jeopardy, and he loved to be on stage,” said Angela Burns, founder and artistic director of Wilmington Voices. “I like to say that we’re all like Matthew Shepard.”
Shepard, a 21-year-old college student, was killed in a hate crime because he was gay. Burns explained that the musical composition moves through sorrow, passion, and ultimately a call to build a more peaceful and united community.
“This musical work was created out of that tragedy,” she said. “It starts with the sorrowful portion, then moves into the passion, and then it moves into us moving forward together as a peaceful community.”
Burns, who also performs with the professional choir Conspirare in Austin, Texas, was part of the 2016 world premiere of the piece, composed by Craig Hella Johnson. Bringing it to Wilmington was always part of her vision.
“When I created Wilmington Voices, that was one of the things I thought—we are absolutely going to do this and bring it to Wilmington,” she said. “It’s been performed all over the United States, and we’re lucky to be doing it.”
The performance will also include a collaborative element, with Laney High School Chorus and Cape Fear Academy Chorus joining Wilmington Voices for the final selection.
“All of Us is the last piece that we will sing, and it just says that all of us should respect and love one another,” Burns said.
The performance is set for May at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. Tickets are $25, with $5 from each ticket sale going to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Discounted tickets are available for students and seniors.
Click here for tickets and more information.
