The NH Master Chorale is quickly approaching performances of Considering Matthew Shepard on November 16, 17, and 18 across the state. In the upcoming weeks we will be sharing reflections from members of the choir expressing thoughts from our rehearsal process preparing this intense and emotional work.
Gwen Dunn - Alto - Member Since 2003
Among other things, I'm a story teller.
I love relating anecdotes, whose roots are found in the daily occurrences of my own ordinary life. So, during our first rehearsals for our performances of Considering Matthew Shepard, by Craig Hella Johnson, I was very drawn to the movement entitled "We Tell Each Other Stories."
It is set early in the concert work, and is composed, for the most part, for a soprano soloist. Toward the end of the movement, the other parts join the soprano in offering an invitation to the audience:
"open,...hear this story; open, listen..."
The Master Chorale has an outstanding compliment of sopranos, any one of whom could sing this movement with simple poignant grace. But it's not just one of us. All of us ask you, the listener, to be open, hear the story, be drawn in. It is a hard tale, yes. It asks questions which are difficult and searching.
But we are rescued, by compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and love. Finally there is complete, radiant, uplifting joy.
We sing about "an ordinary boy who never expected his life to be this story... Could be any boy..."
It's a story that will never let you go. Come. Be open. Listen.
Considering Matthew Shepard tells a story which must never be forgotten.
Performance Details - Tickets Available Here
Friday, November 16 at 8PM – South Church: 292 State St. Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, November 17 at 7:30PM - First Congregational Church: 177 N. Main St, Concord, NH
Sunday, November 18 at 4PM - Plymouth Congregational Church: 4 Post Office Square, Plymouth, NH
The New Hampshire Master Chorale, led by Dr. Dan Perkins, is a non-profit choir established in the spring of 2003. This premier chamber ensemble is dedicated to excellence in the art of choral music performance. Members of the group are trained singers, auditioned from throughout New England, who have performed as soloists and in choral ensembles throughout the world. You can get a taste of the NHMC on our SoundCloud page: soundcloud.com/nh-master-chorale or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NHMasterChorale
Tickets available at nhmasterchorale.org and at the door — $30 general, $25 senior, $15 group of 10+
Free admission for undergraduates and students in grades K–12.
The New Hampshire Master Chorale also utilizes a “Pay What You Are Able” ticket policy so that anyone can attend regardless of financial ability. We welcome all donations to support this.
The New Hampshire Master Chorale is funded in part by a generous grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.