Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Washington National Cathedral.  The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.

Responding to the hate crime murder of young Matthew Shepard, acclaimed conductor and composer Craig Hella Johnson created a compassionate and ultimately hopeful musical response. This fusion oratorio incorporates a variety of musical styles into a unified whole with settings of soulful texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Rumi, as well as passages from Matt’s personal journal and newspaper reports.

The chorus is comprised of 135 experienced choral singers from across the United States who are spending an intensive week of rehearsals in residence in the D.C. area for this project. Now in its 43rd year, BCI has hosted more than 9000 choristers in programs for amateur choral singers around the world.

Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at www.berkshirechoral.org and on Eventbrite.