On tap this week is a pair of directors preparing to bring a thought-provoking program to the area stage. Marking 25 years since the tragic death of Matthew Shepard, Lafayette Master Chorale is joining with Purdue University Choir to present a contemporary oratorio on October 29th.
Joining us are the Artistic Director of Lafayette Master Chorale, Michael Bennett, and Assistant Director of Purdue Musical Organizations, Purduettes, University Choir, and Recruitment, Jeff Vallier.
The two talk about the moving experience of singing with others, creating physical sound resonance, and communicating with choral language. The recent impact and challenges of Covid, and the limitations posed by distancing, masking, and relayed headset sound, made apparent the fundamental magic of live, communal singing. Both Purdue Musical Organizations and Lafayette Master Chorale have a shared commitment to “uplift and encourage both singers and audience members.”
The story of Matthew Shepard was a tragic mark on American society, with repercussions still felt to this day. His family, through the Matthew Shepard Foundation they’ve founded (https://www.matthewshepard.org), has made it their mission to “embrace the dignity and equality of all people.” The oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson. a relatively new piece, is comprised of varied segments, including classical, Broadway musical-style, country-western, and blues-oriented. It proves to be powerful and dramatic in numerous ways, including text in the music taken from protesters’ signs.
Look for more information on the concert and coordinated events at: https://www.lafayettemasterchorale.org or https://www.purdue.edu/pmo/
Considering Matthew Shepard – Lafayette Master Chorale with the Purdue University Choir
3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, West Lafayette
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