Monthly Note | April 2024 | |
Craig reflects on the inspiring beauty of springtime in Central Texas and the music that accompanies it. Click on the video for links to listen to choral works by Britten, Grieg and others. | |
Calling Past Symphonic Choir Singers!
We Want to Hear Your Voice
Conspirare's Symphonic Choir, a 90-member volunteer powerhouse, knows that the comradery and vocal beauty of choir doesn't have to end when you finish school. Over the past 30 years, the group has sung to celebrate the grand opening of the Long Center, performed unforgettable concerts like Bernstein's MASS, and inspired others to sing by hosting Big Sing community singing events.
Now, past Symphonic Choir members are invited to gather for a special 30-year reunion. Join us to sing with today's Symphonic Choir some of the upcoming "My Heart Be Brave" repertoire and a favorite movement from the Brahms Requiem. Stay to enjoy listening to Craig rehearse with current singers. RSVP by Friday, April 19th.
Want to shape the next generation of singing? Audition for Conspirare's Symphonic Choir. Sign up now.
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The Heart and Soul of a Piano
"I think of pianos as living trees," Craig shared recently as he was invited to select a piano at Steinway Piano Gallery-Austin. With Conspirare donors and friends gathered to listen, Craig played several instruments until he found the perfect one for next month's Hidden Music: PearlEssence concert to benefit Conspirare. Steinway is the event's Grand Piano Sponsor.
Matthew Bird, of the family owned and second-generation of Steinway Piano Gallery of Austin, is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our Conspirare community. In conjunction with his generous Grand Piano Sponsorship of our 30th Anniversary Celebration, Hidden Music: PearlEssence, the piano on which GRAMMY® Award Winner Craig Hella Johnson performs that evening will be available for purchase, with a generous portion of the sale being returned as a gift to Conspirare. "This is a chance to own the piano signed and played by Craig on a historic night," says Bird. "Steinway is Craig’s first choice and proud to partner with Conspirare on this challenge gift.” Find further details at Steinway Piano Gallery-Austin.
Watch the video.
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Spotlight: Khris Ford
Khris Ford is a spiritual director, licensed professional counselor, and now a member of Conspirare's board. Conspirare has been part of Ford's life since 1999 when she first attended a Christmas Concert at the Carillon. "I was in awe of the 'collage' of music and incredible creativity in various parings of musical pieces," Ford recalls.
As a grief therapist and spiritual director, she uses Conspirare's music as a tool for healing and opening the heart. "I believe in the force for love and peace music offers," Ford adds. "Music invites vulnerability which supports the growth of compassion."
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Thank you for Lifting Your Voice
Thank you to our 70 generous co-creators who gave $10,231 as part of Amplify Austin during Austin's largest day of giving! Bravo!
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High Notes
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Philadelphia's Mann Center will present Conspirare and Considering Matthew Shepard on October 10, 2024, as part of their Downstage Series. Conspirare will also perform the fusion oratorio about "an ordinary boy whose life became a movement" in Austin this fall.
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Raasin in the Sun, an Austin nonprofit that cultivates resilience through art and environmental initiatives, will offer a pre-concert art experience at this month's "Sing the World Awake" concert.
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Craig contributed to a new book, Resurrecting Song: A Pathway Forward for the Choral Art in the Time of Pandemics, edited by Wendy K. Moy.
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We welcome two more new board members: Joey M. Martin, Director of Choral Activities, Texas State University, and Steven Paulson, a retired 3M executive and choral music lover.
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Playlist Inspired by James Turrell's Art
This "Listening with Landmarks" playlist was curated by Craig Hella Johnson and inspired by James Turrell's "The Color Inside," an art installation on the campus of The University of Texas Austin.
Listen to the playlist.
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Upcoming Conspirare Events | |
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Sing the World Awake
Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 pm
Conspirare Artist Citizen Choral Collective
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Get tickets.
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Hidden Music: PearlEssence
Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 pm
Singing, sipping, celebrating and giving.
Distribution Hall, 1500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Learn more.
Silent auction opens May 2nd! Everyone will have the chance to bid.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!
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My Heart Be Brave
Friday, May 17 at 8:00 pm
Conspirare Symphonic Choir
Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
Get tickets.
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You Can Make a Difference | |
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Join in!
Hella Circle members believe in the transformative power of music. Give monthly and enjoy unique benefits.
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Many companies match employees' charitable gifts. Find out if your employer does and let us know! | |
Thank you for bringing our song to life! | |
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Anonymous
Marvin J. Brittman
Fran & Larry Collmann
Mary & Phil Delk
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Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge
Lara & Robert Harlan
Richard Hartgrove
Tina & Dale Knobel
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Gail & Jeffrey Kodosky
Wendi & Brian Kushner
Dale Linebarger
Gayle & Mike Roche
Dr. Joni Wallace, DDS
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Hidden Music: PearlEssence Sponsors | |
Cultured Pearls: Marvin Brittman, Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge / Tejemos Foundation, Richard Hartgrove Baroque Pearls: Nancy & Randall Baden and Trish & Robert Karli, Blank Sheppard & Associates, Ken & Joyce Beck, Fran & Larry Collmann, Susanna & Richard Finnell, Howry, Breen & Herman LLP, Amy McCaffrey, Linda & Cliff Mountain, Redbird Foundation, Joni Wallace and Carol Williams Mother-of-Pearls: Casey Blass & Lee Manford, Nina & Jeffrey Di Leo, Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner, Linda Hudson Parrish, DeeAnne & Steve Paulson Tiki Bar Sponsor: Sheri Clark Henrikson High Spirits Sponsor: Twin Liquors Grand Piano Sponsor: Steinway of Austin Dessert Sponsor: Kathy & Henry Leighton Media Sponsor: KMFA 89.5 In-Kind Sponsors: Celestial Strategies, Little Productions. | | | | |