Other European performances include the Polyfollia Festival in France (2012) and the Olavsfestdagene festival in Trondheim, Norway (2016).

At home, Conspirare performs a full annual season in Austin and Central Texas, and is a Resident Company of Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts.

MICHAEL DENNIS BROWNEMichael Dennis Browne’s latest collectionof poems is Chimes, published in 2017 by Nodin Press. His poems have been published in many magazines and anthologies, and his awards include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bush Foundation. Two of his collections have won the Minnesota Book Award for poetry. As a librettist, he has written many texts for music, working for almost four decades with composer Stephen Paulus. Their post-Holocaust oratorio To Be Certain of the Dawn was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in music by the Minnesota Orchestra. Browne is a professor emeritus of English at the University of Minnesota, where he taught for 39 years and was a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

LESLÉA NEWMANLesléa Newman is the author of 70 books for readers of all ages, including the children’s

books Heather Has Two Mommies and Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed; the poetry collections, I Carry My Mother and Lovely; and the short story collection A Letter to Harvey Milk, which was recently adapted for the stage as a musical. Newman, a former poet laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts, has received poetry fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation. She teaches at Spalding University’s low-residency MFA in Writing program. October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard received an American Library Association Stonewall Honor and the Florida Council Teachers of English Joan F. Kaywell Books Save Lives Award. Newman works closely with the Matthew Shepard Foundation as a member of their speakers bureau. She has visited schools all over the country, giving her presentation He Continues to Make a Difference: The Story of Matthew Shepard. She lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Tonight’s program is taking place as part of the City of West Hollywood and WeHo Arts’ One City One Pride commemoration of this important anniversary.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY JUNE 15 & 16, 2018

8:30 PM

Presented in association with Chris Isaacson PresentsThe John Anson Ford Theatres is a County of Los Angeles venue.

FORD THEATRES | 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, CA 90068FordTheatres.org @FordTheatres #ThePlaceToBe

IGNITE @ THE FORD!

IGNITE @ THE FORD!ABOUT THE ARTISTSPresented by the Ford Theatre Foundation, IGNITE @ the FORD! is a series comprised of world-renowned contemporary artists whose work is thought-provoking and reflects the world in which we live. If you enjoy tonight’s performance, we invite you to explore the other events in the series.

Curated by Olga Garay-English,Interim Executive Director ofthe Ford Theatre.

IGNITE @ the FORD! is supported by Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Proceeds from tonight’s performance benefit the Ford Theatre Foundation.

The Ford Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the community of Los Angeles through its support of the John Anson Ford Theatres. Every year, with support from the Foundation, the Ford Theatres presents an eclectic season of culturally diverse music, dance, theatre, film and family events. In addition to IGNITE @ the FORD!, a portion of the season is programmed in partnership with LA County-based artists, producers and arts organizations. Complementing its work in support of the Ford, the Foundation presents programs that provide opportunities to connect, share and create together. For more information or to get involved, please visit FordTheatres.org.

Chris Isaacson Presents (Considering Matthew Shepard Co-Presenter) has created, produced and promoted more than 700 events since the company’s founding in 2004. From small clubs to major theatres, CIP has presented some of the most influential stars of this generation. Most recently, CIP produced an extravaganza for the new series POSE (FX Networks) at LA Pride 2018, and the inaugural charitable event “GAIN: Brighter Futures,” starring Alisan Porter (winner of NBC’s The Voice) and GRAMMY®-winner Thelma Houston. For more information on upcoming CIP events including Richard Shelton (June 29), David Burnham (July 17), and Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young (July 26 & 28), go to ChrislsaacsonPresents.com.

CONSPIRARE/CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD DONORSWith the support of donors like you, Conspirare is able to continue presenting Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard to national audiences. Conspirare gratefully acknowledges the following:

LOS ANGELES PERFORMANCE SPONSORS:Lee Manford & Casey Blass

SEASON SUSTAINING UNDERWRITER:South Texas Money Management

AGENT OF CHANGE SPONSORS:Anonymous, Fran & Larry Collmann, Legacy of Sound, One Skye Foundation Inc, The Fetzer Institute, The Kodosky Foundation

ADVOCATE SPONSORS:Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, Eric Copper, Crutch & Danna Crutchfield, Beverly Dale, Dee Garcia, Lee Manford & Casey Blass, Johanna & Mitch Vernick

CATALYST SPONSORS:Anonymous++, Jim Arth, Ginger & Michael Blair, Chris & Dennis Cavner, Catherine Clark, Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay, Virginia & Robert Dupuy, Sandy & Bill Fivecoat, Mary Nell Frucella, Evelyn & Rick Gabrillo, Karen & Paul Galindo, Danny Hamilton & Paul Hilliard, Lara & Robert Harlan, Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper, Carr Hornbuckle & Jack Leifer, Angie & Steve Larned, Emily Little, Thomas Lukens, Stefanie Moore & Todd Keister, Toyota Motor N.A., Linda & Robert Ramsey, Susan & Jack Robertson, Julia & Patrick Willis, James Wood and the individuals too numerous to list here.

Special Thank You to our Los Angeles Sponsor-A-Singer Donors:Anonymous, Carl Caricari & Margaret Murray Miller, Fran & Larry Collmann, Sandy & Bill Fivecoat, Ron Jernigan, Carolyn J. Keating, Johanna & Mitch Vernick, Joni Wallace, Susanna Finnell

Support also comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

SPECIAL THANKS:Viera Buzgova, Rod Caspers, Elliot Forrest, Dean Hansell, Robert Harlan, Gregory Hinton, Dale & Tina Knobel, Lee Manford & Casey Blass, Cathy Renna.

For a complete list of donors, please visit the Collaborators tab at conspirare.org/project/considering-matthew-shepard.

Conspirare is engaged in ongoing fundraising to support future performances as part of a national tour. Please contact Marianne DeLeon atmdeleon@conspirare.org to discuss underwriting opportunities or give today at conspirare.org/donate.

Conspirare presents Considering Matthew Shepard is an artist represented by Cadenza Artists LLC 12021 Wilshire Blvd #710, Los Angeles, CA 90025 CadenzaArtists.com

Composed & Conducted by CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON

CONSIDERINGMATTHEW SHEPARD

AKBARa neighborhood oasis

City of West HollywoodCalifornia 1984

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ConspirareCraig Hella Johnson, Conductor & Pianist

SOPRANOMela Sarajane Dailey – Austin, TXKemper Florin – Cincinnati, OHMelissa Givens – Augusta, GAEstelí Gomez – Watsonville, CAGitanjali Mathur – Austin, TXStefanie Moore – Los Angeles, CAFotina Naumenko – Washington, DCKathlene Ritch – Santa Fe, NMShari Alise Wilson – Austin, TX

ALTOAna Baida – Atlanta, GASarah Brauer – Portland, ORAngela L. Burns – Wilmington, NCTynan Davis – New York, NYLaura Mercado-Wright – Austin, TXKeely J. Rhodes – Austin, TX

TENORMatt Alber – Portland, ORJ.D. Burnett – Athens, GADann Coakwell – Ithaca, NYCarr Hornbuckle – San Antonio, TXJos Milton – Oxford, MSWilson Nichols – New York City, NYJason Vest – Cincinnati, OH

BASSCharles Wesley Evans – Tampa, FLDavid Farwig – Denver, CORick Gabrillo – Round Rock, TXRobert Harlan – Austin, TXHarris Ipock – Winchester, VAEnrico Lagasca – Rego Park, NYJohn Proft – Austin, TXThann Scoggin – Austin, TX

INSTRUMENTALISTSVanguel Tangarov, Clarinet – Austin, TXStephen Redfield, Violin – Hattiesburg, MSAmes Asbell, Viola – Austin, TXDouglas Harvey, Cello – Austin, TXJessica Valls, Double Bass – Austin, TXMitch Watkins, Guitar – Austin, TXThomas Burritt, Percussion – Leander, TXAustin Haller, Rehearsal Pianist – Austin, TX

ALL OF US CHOIR

June 15, 2018 USC Chamber Singers Tonality Metropolitan Master Chorale Phyllis Bailey Brooks & FriendsJune 16, 2018: VOX Femina Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Trans Chorus of Los Angeles

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORSMichael Dennis Browne, Poet & Co-LibrettistLesléa Newman, PoetRod Caspers, Co-Producer & Co-Director Elliott Forrest, Co-Director & Projection Designer

PRODUCTION TEAMRobert Harlan, Technical DirectorViera Buzgova, Stage ManagerKristen Simpson, CrewRandall Squires, Connor Goodrum, Joel Hume, Nomad Sound, AudioWalter Olden, Lighting SupervisorDaniel Weingarten, Ford Theatres Lighting & Image DesignerDaniel Tator, Projection Consultant

LIVESTREAMJohn Stinson & Stinson Recording StudiosLA36Bob Adler, Coastal Media Group (Coastal Satellite)

CONSPIRARE STAFFCraig Hella Johnson, Artistic DirectorAnn McNair, Managing DirectorRoland Barrera, Office Manager and Conspirare ConciergeMarianne DeLeon, Chief Development OfficerRick Gabrillo, Associate ConductorRobert Harlan, Production ConsultantNatalie Howard, Conspirare Youth ChoirsJaime Leighton, Production Administrator and WebmasterBen R. King, Production AssistantMeri Krueger, Artist RelationsKathy Leighton, House ManagerRachel McGinnis, Media CoordinatorJane Ramirez, Business Manager

CRAIG HELLA JOHNSONAs Conspirare’s founder and Artistic Director, Johnson assembles some of

today’s finest singers to form a world-class ensemble. Johnson is also music director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and conductor emeritus of the Victoria Bach Festival. He has served

as guest conductor with Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, Harvard University and many others in Texas, the U.S., and abroad.

Johnson was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Austin from1990-2001 and remains an active educator, teaching workshops and clinics statewide, nationally, and internationally. In fall 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University School of Music.

A composer and arranger, Johnson works with G. Schirmer Publishing on the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series, featuring specially selected composers as well as some of his own original compositions and

arrangements. His music is also published by Alliance Music Publications.

Johnson’s first concert-length composition Considering Matthew Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a 2016 CD release. Johnson’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a 2014 GRAMMY® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America granted him the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State Legislature named him Texas State Musician for 2013. Other honors have included 2008 induction into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, Chorus America’s 2009 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal, and the 2011 Citation of Merit from international professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. Johnson studied at St. Olaf College, the Julliard School, and the University of Illinois, and earned his doctorate at Yale University.

CONSPIRAREEstablished in Austin, Texas in 1991, Conspirare is a GRAMMY®-winning

and internationally recognized choir with a reputation for “expanding the boundaries of choral performance” (Wall Street Journal). Conspirare, which translates from Latin as

“to breathe together,” is comprised of soloists from around the country. Conspirare’s extensive discography includes 11 releases on the Harmonia Mundi label. The 2014 album The Sacred Spirit of Russia won the GRAMMY® for Best Choral Performance.

Conspirare’s ambitious mission is to engage the power of music to change lives. Conspirare has commissioned works from a wide-range of composers. A commitment to new music and willingness to showcase a broad context through diverse programming is evident from their first recording in 2004, Through the Green Fuse. Other GRAMMY®-nominated or winning works include Requiem (2006), Threshold of Night (2008, music by Tarik O’Regan), the 2009 PBS television special A Company of Voices: Conspirare in Concert, and Pablo Neruda: The Poet Sings (2016).

Conspirare represented the U.S. at the Eighth World Symposium on Choral Music in Copenhagen in 2008.

Continued on reverse...

THE LEGACY OFMATTHEW SHEPARD

PROGRAM

Because of what I do, I’m often asked to share what Matthew Shepard’s life, death and legacy mean to me and to our community and nation today. The passage of time has made it harder to give a short answer.

Matt – as his friends invariably called him – was a friend, one of several I have lost over the years to one tragedy or another. His larger-than-life presence made him hard to forget and his continuing life as a historic figure and symbol stands alone amongst those of my loved ones who left us too soon. In that sense, his legacy means to me what it means to so many – a fixed point in the path toward LGBT acceptance in our society, ultimately being achieved despite, or because of, fallen heroes.

What means the most to me to say, though, is that the importance of Matt Shepard was his humanity. He was a man who lived. He had a family, aspirations, friendships, dates, photographs, diaries, foods he disliked, politicians he disliked more, and always, the opinions. So many opinions, so rich, so passionately advanced and skillfully defended in debate. He was also gay. It’s sad that’s all so many people ever knew of him.

Matt loved the theatre, films and music, and so it is fitting that a growing part of how he is honored and remembered is through the artistic achievements of those who, like myself, mourned his passage and refused to fully heal from the shock we all felt at his violent, needless death. His life and the scar that holds its place for many of us is also a wellspring for our noblest intentions and inspirations. It is a gateway to action, a fitting place of pilgrimage for our passion.

Matt’s life tells us, live yours as you. Be authentic. Follow your head and your heart and celebrate where it leads.

What we will hear in this performance is the sound of a place that went undiscovered for a long time. It lived in a composer’s heart and mind and it took nourishment from the life of one young man who once was here among us. Matt’s legacy is many things. This event, this moment, us together here, is one of its faces. I hope when you leave here, you take this moment with you, and look for the next one. Keep Matt and his story in your heart, and you will surely find it.

Jason MarsdenExecutive Director Matthew Shepard Foundation

FordTheatres.orgIGNITE @ THE FORD!

Like so many people, I was deeply moved and affected by the death of a young, gay Wyoming man in 1998, Matthew Wayne Shepard. The events surrounding his death created an enormous feeling in me which continued to reverberate for the months and years after. I felt such a strong inner desire to respond somehow, especially musically. This feeling stayed with me many years. But it was not until somewhat recently that I felt ready to give voice to this inner response. This story holds so many layers of meaning and raises many questions. My own journey with Matt and his story has proven to be an inspiring, challenging and deeply meaningful exploration that continues. Surprisingly and remarkably, although remembering the suffering of Matthew Shepard can be intense and very dark, I continue to also experience a call to the inner light which this story profoundly transmits.

As a choral musician, I am connected to the Passion settings, especially those of J.S. Bach, the St. Matthew Passion and the St. John Passion. At first I felt called to compose a Passion setting of Matthew Shepard, which now makes up some of the central section of this work. It has evolved and expanded from that point. I very much wanted Matt’s voice to be heard, even if in a small way. Additionally, I also wanted to provide a space for reflection, consideration and unity within this musical framework.

For the formation of the libretto, I chose to gather a collection of texts from writers whose words span several centuries and represent significant cultural and geographic differences. I am enormously indebted to Lesléa Newman for October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard, which created the inspiration and foundational structure for the Passion music. At just the right moment, the poem which became Matthew’s aria appeared - In Need of Breath by Daniel Ladinsky. Other poetic voices include the German mystic Hildegard von Bingen, the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, W.S. Merwin.

Because the American West is so important to the telling of this story and our consideration of it, I include two Wyoming poets, John Nesbitt and Sue Wallis. For me, the expression of contrasting intimacy and grandeur along with images of both the enduring and the ephemeral evoked in Sue Wallis’ Cattle, Horses, Sky and Grass creates a space in which all of the other texts can dwell. For some of the sections, I created texts myself.

A very special shout of acclamation goes out to Michael Dennis Browne, the remarkable writer who brought all of his gifts to bear in one of the most memorable collaborations imaginable. From the beginning, he understood my passion for creating a special song in large form for Matthew and he met me wherever I felt there was a need in the content or the pacing of the work.

The singers of Conspirare inspired me at every turn. Their voices were in my imagination as I composed this piece and they brought it into being with tender devotion. I am so grateful that four of Conspirare’s soloists could beat this performance.

I am deeply grateful to Dennis and Judy Shepard for their incredible generosity in continuing to support all of our remembrances of their beloved son Matt, and for being such extraordinary warriors for love in the world.

Thank you so much for your presence and participation in this performance at Los Angeles’ beautiful Ford Theatres. I hope that you will remain engaged with Conspirare’s continuing musical work and I invite you to get to know more about us at conspirare.org.

With gratitude,

Craig Hella Johnson

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

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