Choral Music

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will premiere an extraordinary choral work titled “The Witness: Incidents of the War of the Rebellion.” The work was conceived by the choral group’s artistic director, Matthew Koller, and inspired by the memoir of his great-great, grandfather, James Waxler, about his time serving in the Union army during the American Civil War. The memoir’s message is as cogent today as it was when he wrote it in 1888.

This month marks 25 years since the death of Matthew Shepard, whose brutal murder served as a turning point for gay rights in the U.S. In recognition, Choral Artistry performs Craig Hella Johnson’s powerful three-part oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard,” Oct. 22 at Naples United Church of Christ. We explore the composition in a conversation with Choral Artistry Artistic Director Trent Brown.

In a densely filled auditorium, choral music swept through the air, churning emotions throughout the room. Tissues were out, hearts were pounding, and eyes teared as the performance unfolded. Choral Artistry performed the three-part oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard” at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral last Sunday.

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers has served as the region’s premiere choral ensemble for nearly two decades. The chorus performs a broad spectrum of…