Monthly Note | April 2024

Craig reflects on springtime and the music that accompanies it.

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.

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.

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."

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!

High Notes


  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Upcoming Conspirare Events

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.

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!

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.

You Can Make a Difference

Join in!

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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!

Season Underwriter

Foundations & Friends

Anonymous

Marvin J. Brittman

Fran & Larry Collmann

Mary & Phil Delk

Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge

Lara & Robert Harlan

Richard Hartgrove

Tina & Dale Knobel

Gail & Jeffrey Kodosky

Wendi & Brian Kushner

Dale Linebarger

Gayle & Mike Roche

Dr. Joni Wallace, DDS

Corporate Sponsors

Hospitality Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Public Arts Funding

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.

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Music Holds Everything.