Chorus America: The Power of a Well-Articulated Vision: How Te Deum unlocked a new level of donor support by crafting a compelling case for transformational change
May 11, 2026
“After cultivating a rigorous and dedicated volunteer ensemble in Kansas City for 15 years, Te Deum founder and artistic director Matthew Shepard embarked on a transition to an all-professional model – one that he’d resisted several times before. To his surprise, Shepard and his colleagues found that this process, which felt so daunting before, was not only achievable; it helped the organization find another gear.
‘Don’t underestimate the power of a well-articulated vision,’ advises Shepard, recalling the planning that allowed Te Deum’s shift to become reality. ‘Once we were able to clearly communicate our goals, fundraising became far more effective, and people wanted to be part of what we were building.’ ”
Flatland: Kansas City’s “Stunning” Array of Sacred Music
June 29, 2025
“Matthew Shepard, artistic director of the choral group Te Deum, says that ‘almost anything can be considered sacred in the right context.’ He also notes that the famous 20th-century theologian Paul Tillich believed that the word sacred means “that which deals with ultimate concern.’ And that, Shepard says, is the music Te Deum seeks to present.”
KC Studio: Concert to Come: Te Deum marks the transition to professional choir with a concert celebrating the ‘Harmony of Connections’
May 13, 2025
“Exploring our link to the world, each other, and the spiritual realm, Te Deum chamber choir presents “Harmony of Connections,” the closing concert of their 17th season. This season, the organization entered a new phase of its evolution and is making the transition to professional choir. It is now paying its singers, a considerable shift that requires substantial funding, but also allows the ensemble more versatility.”
