BACKGROUND

Eliott Matthew Cherry was born, raised and educated in New York City. Trained as a musician, he has been a resident of the Millay Colony for the Arts and has been active as a cellist, composer and teacher of music. He has focused exclusively on performing A Finished Heart ​since its completion in 2009.    
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Eliott kept a diary of his conversations with his husband of sixteen years, Chris Chenard, as he cared for Chris at their home during three months of illness. After Chris died, Eliott expanded his writings with poetry and prose. This journal is the source of A Finished Heart, for which Eliott has created an accompanying musical score for solo piano.

A Finished Heart has been supported by major funding organizations, performed 42 times and presented in six U.S. states. Eliott is working to bring this piece to diverse audiences throughout the country and beyond.

Thoughts on "Creating'

Chris' Bio

CREATING A FINISHED HEART

Caring for Chris at home, I was filled with gratitude for our remaining time together, amazed and inspired by our conversations. As we spoke, I remembered our words and, as Chris slept, I wrote down as much as I could.

Gradually,  I knew that I would be compelled to share our intimate dialogues filled with tenderness, grief, humor, devotion and transformation. Chris gave me his blessing and, two years after his death, I created this one-man performance called, A Finished Heart. It integrates narrative, conversation, poetry that I wrote after Chris died and a musical score.

Why do I perform this piece? A Finished Heart is a celebration of feeling ...

I wish to strengthen people's compassion for one another through emotional connection. I want to create community by inviting you into the world of two men who have committed their lives to each other.