Matthew Shepard Foundation Partners with Conspirare to Spread Matt's Legacy

After their son’s death in 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor their son’s life and aspirations. The Foundation pioneered the country’s first federal hate crimes legislation, provided hate crimes training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors, created dialogues about hate and acceptance within communities around the world, and built a robust collection of resources to support performances of Considering Matthew Shepard, an oratorio premiered by Conspirare, and other projects inspired by Matt.

As the foundation commemorates 25 years, choirs around the country are performing Considering Matthew Shepard, sharing the work’s message of compassion and understanding. Katie Hanna, the Foundation’s program coordinator, supports these performances by providing a lobby exhibit of cards and letters the Shepards received after their son's death. The Foundation also provides posters of the portrait of Matt exhibited at the Washington National Cathedral and purple wristbands with the "Erase Hate" message. See upcoming performances.

Appreciating Kathy Leighton

For the past decade, Conspirare audience members and volunteer Ambassadors have enjoyed the warm presence of Kathy Leighton, Conspirare's House Manager. She shared her love of choral music--and also shared her family since her husband Henry and daughter Jaime volunteered with Conspirare! We are grateful to Kathy for creating a close-knit community and for her creativity in engaging Ambassadors during the pandemic and returning to live performance. Here's what some Ambassadors say about Kathy:

• "Kathy always greets everyone with a big smile and lets us know how much she appreciates us. I love being a Conspirare Ambassador because I've made friends and it's a pleasure to help Craig and the singers share their gift. I can't sing, but I appreciate the beautiful voices of Conspirare." - Michelle Fisher
• "I value Katy's ability to go with the flow and her wonderful sense of humor. My favorite thing about volunteering is the camaraderie with fellow volunteers and the music." - Tim Ferchill
• "I will miss Kathy's cheerful greeting. I love being an Ambassador because I feel like I have a small part in spreading the love, joy, peace, and happiness that Craig brings to the world with Conspirare." - Jimmie Johnson

We wish Kathy well in her future endeavors! Ali Lewis is serving as Interim House Manager and Ambassador coordinator. Volunteer as an ambassador.

Summer Break!

Conspirare's annual "Summer Shutdown" will be August 21-25. The office will be closed while our hard-working staff take a well-earned break. While we're closed, you can still purchase tickets for fall concerts.